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
Austrian, 1886–1980
Date
1963
Medium
Lithograph on paper
Accession #
1979.61 M
Dimensions
Please contact the Museum for more information.
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 FoundationImage Copyright
© Fondation Oskar Kokoschka/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York/ProLitteris, Zurich