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Lear and Cordelia (1849-54)
Summary
Oil paint on canvas
This is one of three paintings by Ford Madox Brown illustrating Shakespeare’s play King Lear. This scene shows Lear with his youngest daughter, Cordelia, on the right. Lear’s doctor orders the musicians to play more loudly and awaken him. But Cordelia is anxious that her ailing father should sleep and she speaks the lament inscribed on the painting’s frame. In the play Lear divides his kingdom between his other two daughters and their husbands. But, after a painful period of self-discovery, he realises that Cordelia is his only true loving child.
Ford Madox Brown (1821-1893) was an English painter and designer associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of artists who sought to revive the principles of early Italian Renaissance art. Brown's work often depicted historical and literary subjects, as well as scenes from contemporary life. He was also known for his designs for stained glass windows, tapestries and furniture. Some of his most famous works include 'The Last of England', 'Work' and 'The Manchester Murals'. Brown was an important figure in the Victorian art world and his influence can be seen in the work of later artists such as Vincent van Gogh and Edward Burne-Jones.
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