Skip to main content

Gloucester led by an old man: "I have no way; and therefore want no eyes" (Act IV, Scene I), from the portfolio King Lear

Artist/Maker (Austrian, 1886–1980)
Date1963
MediumLithograph
DimensionsOverall: 18 1/8 × 14 1/8 in. (46 × 35.9 cm)
Credit LineGift of Donald L. Thal via Martin S. Ackerman Foundation
Edition178/275
PortfolioKing Lear
Object number1980.21.9
Status
Not on view
Copyright© Estate of Oskar Kokoschka / Artist Rights Society (ARS), New York, NYMore Information
In 1963, Austrian painter Oskar Kokoschka created a series of 16 lithographs to illustrate William Shakespeare’s King Lear. One of the Bard’s most highly-regarded tragedies, the play follows the elderly King Lear’s descent into madness after foolishly dividing his estate among two of his three daughters based on their false flattery, resulting in a tragic outcome for all. Kokoschka’s series depicts critical points in the narrative which often correspond to dialogue by Lear and his daughters Goneril, Regan, and Cordelia, in addition to that of the other characters vying for the throne. Providing minimal information about the setting of each scene, Kokoschka’s sketchy compositions instead focus on the characters, each depicted with the artist’s characteristic energetic expressionism.
Exhibition History
Representing the Word: Modern Book Illustrations
  • Allen Memorial Art Museum, Oberlin, OH (January 29, 2013 - June 30, 2013 )
Collections
  • Modern & Contemporary