Details

Title

Cordelia (From King Lear)

Artist/Maker

Oskar Kokoschka (Austrian, 1886–1980)

Date

1963

Medium

Lithograph on paper

Dimensions

Contact the museum for more information

Credit

Gift of Dr. Sherman N. Leis through the Ackerman Foundation

Accession #

1979.61 M

Location

Currently not on view

Cordelia Act IV, Scene VII: “O, you kind gods, cure this great breach in his abused nature” Reunited with her father, Cordelia is saddened by his disturbed mind and prays that he may regain his sanity. To convey Cordelia’s gentleness and loving concern, Kokoschka here tamed his vehement style and used simpler lines and softer shading than in the previous, emotionally raw and violent scenes. The presence of flowers in Cordelia’s hand and behind her further creates a sense of peace.

Image Copyright

© Fondation Oskar Kokoschka/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ProLitteris, Zurich