Head of King Lear 1747 - 1785

Giovanni Battista Cipriani created this drawing, Head of King Lear, at the turn of the 19th century. The artwork captures a figure looking upwards, seemingly lost in thought. Cipriani skillfully uses line and shading to convey texture, particularly in Lear’s flowing hair and beard. The upward gaze directs us to consider themes of power, fate, and perhaps, disillusionment. What is it that has captured Lear’s attention above? The visible strokes add a raw, unfinished quality to the piece, enhancing the sense of Lear's vulnerability. The artist utilizes a relatively muted palette to focus on the emotional intensity of Lear’s expression. This is further highlighted by the composition, where Lear’s head dominates the frame, compelling us to confront his inner turmoil. The drawing prompts us to consider the role of representation and the codes which dictate how emotions can be visually conveyed.