Meeting of Lear and Cordelia

Maker Benjamin West (American, 1738 - 1820)

Collections

ClassificationsPAINTINGS

Date1784

Mediumoil on canvas

Dimensions43 1/2 x 58 1/4 in. (110.5 x 148 cm.) frame: 53 1/4 x 67 3/4 x 4 3/8 in. (135.3 x 172.1 x 11.1 cm.)

DescriptionKing Lear reclines, regaining consciousness, right center, turned three-quarters left, his mouth open. He wears a rose-colored, ermine-trimmed robe. The physician, in brown robe and black cloak, stands right, bending over the king and supporting him. To the left, Cordelia sits on a couch, profile right, leaning towards her father and clasping his right hand with hers. Her left hand is raised to her breast. She wears a white robe with blue sash and a golden-brown cloak over her legs. In the background, left, stand two women and two men-at-arms. Behind the king is a golden-brown curtain. In the background, stormy sky seen through arched openings. A red-colvered table, with casket and chalice, stands in the right foreground.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens Henry E. Huntington Bequest

Label TextShakespeare's plays were popular in late-18th-century Britain, and many artists, including American-born Benjamin West, depicted scenes from them. He painted four versions of Act 4, Scene 7 of King Lear, of which this is the earliest. In this scene Cordelia, King Lear's one loyal daughter, is reunited with her father, who has gone mad after dividing his kingdom between his fractious daughters Goneril and Regan and disowning Cordelia.

West's presentation of this climactic scene owed much to theatrical performances in the artist's day. Actors often wore red robes when portraying Lear, and Cordelia's diadem is similar to those that adorned stage princesses of the time. Cordelia's flowing hair indicates that she is moving toward her father, just as an actress would while performing the scene. The composition, with its simple architectural backdrop and narrow foreground space, also suggests a stage.

Status

On view

Object number12.1

Exhibitions

American Made: Selections from The Huntington's Early American Art Collections