King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia

Image credit: Tate

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Barry was a passionate champion of neo-classical history painting on a vast scale. After initial success he became a martyr to its cause, dying neglected and convinced of the hostility of the art establishment. This is one of Barry's most ambitious paintings, made for Alderman Boydell's 'Shakespeare Gallery', a collection of engraved scenes from Shakespeare by celebrated artists of the day. Boydell held an exhibition of the original pictures in 1789. Here, a heartbroken Lear supports the body of his beloved daughter Cordelia. Barry has set the tragic scene in an heroic landscape with Stonehenge in the background.

Tate

Art UK Founder Partner

More information
Title

King Lear Weeping over the Dead Body of Cordelia

Date

1786–8

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 269.2 x W 367 cm

Accession number

T00556

Acquisition method

Purchased 1962

Work type

Painting

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