Lear c. 1776 - 1809

John Hamilton Mortimer's "Lear" is a dramatic print that depicts the titular character from Shakespeare's play, "King Lear." The artwork, created sometime between 1776 and 1809, portrays the king in a moment of despair, his wild hair and beard emphasizing his emotional turmoil. Mortimer uses powerful lines and shading to capture Lear's distraught expression, highlighting the tragic consequences of his foolish actions. The dramatic composition and expressive detail give a powerful glimpse into the character's emotional depths.