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Cordelia (From King Lear)

Modern and Contemporary Art

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Cordelia (From King Lear)

Artwork Details

Artist/Maker

Oskar Kokoschka
Austrian, 1886–1980

Date

1963

Medium

Lithograph on paper

Accession #

1979.61 M

Dimensions

Location

Currently Not on View

Description

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.

Credit

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

Image Copyright

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

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