Jealous Monster (1778)
Technique: Giclée quality print
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John Hamilton Mortimer's etching "Jealous Monster" (1778) captures a chaotic and compelling scene, brimming with emotional intensity and dynamic movement. The artwork portrays a dramatic encounter where three figures are in a violent struggle by the water's edge. Dominating the composition, a winged female figure appears to be defending herself against two ferocious creatures. Her outstretched arms and the flow of her garments suggest a desperate attempt to escape the fearsome clutches of her assailants.These monstrous figures, rendered with exaggerated facial expressions and muscular forms, embody the violent emotion of jealousy which the title of the piece suggests. They seem to emerge from the water, adding a mythical or supernatural flavor to the scene. The ominous clouds and swirling waters further amplify the turmoil depicted in this encounter.Mortimer, known for his romantic and often gothic style, utilizes fine lines and detailed etching to imbue the scene with a sense of urgency and dread. This piece, like many of his works, delves into the darker realms of human emotion and mythological themes, offering a glimpse into the tumultuous narratives favored in the romantic art of the 18th century.
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John Hamilton Mortimer was a British figure and landscape painter and printmaker, known for romantic paintings set in Italy, works depicting conversations, and works drawn in the 1770s portraying war scenes, similar to those of Salvator Rosa.
Mortimer became President of the Society of Artists in 1774, five years before his death at age 39.