The Death of Chatterton 1860

"The Death of Chatterton" is a 1860 artwork by Thomas O. Barlow depicting the tragic demise of the English poet Thomas Chatterton. The artwork, currently housed in the Art Institute of Chicago, portrays Chatterton lying dead in his bed, surrounded by scattered papers and a chest filled with his writings, highlighting his poverty and the recognition he sought. The dramatic composition, emphasizing Chatterton’s lifeless figure against the stark backdrop of his humble lodgings, captures the poignancy of his untimely death. The somber tone and detailed realism contribute to the enduring power of this artistic interpretation of a significant literary figure’s fate.