This arresting drawing, by the Swiss artist Henry Fuseli (Johann Heinrich Füssli) (1741-1825), depicts Edgar feigning madness and approaching King Lear whose madness is painfully real. Its clean, strong lines seem to echo Blake’s style.
Also on Lear, see this early 20th century photo of the Swedish actor Ivar Nilsson decked out in his magnificent jester’s costume. And a favourite quotation by the same wise fool.
Credit: ‘Edgar Feigning Madness Approaches King Lear Supported by Kent and the Fool on the Heath’ (1772), Henry Fuseli (Johann Heinrich Füssli) (1741-1825), Birmingham Museums Trust, public domain
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