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John Hamilton Mortimer

Lear

March 15, 1776 (originally published); published 1809
Etching on cream wove paper
40.3 × 32 cm (15.9 × 12.6 in)

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In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

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FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Part of the same series of heads that includes the image of Beatrice , this work depicts the crazed King Lear as he gazes skyward. His eyes bulge and his hair whips about his face as he considers his own misdeeds and tragedy. John Hamilton Mortimer expertly captured the despair and loss of control Lear feels in this moment. The old king cries out the monologue quoted below the image.

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