Jane Shore

Eugène Delacroix, 1828

MEDIUMLithograph in black on light-gray China paper laid down on white wove paper
DIMENSIONSImage: 26 × 34.5 cm (10 1/4 × 13 5/8 in.); Chine: 29.2 × 37.7 cm (11 1/2 × 14 7/8 in.); Sheet: 49 × 63.5 cm (19 5/16 × 25 in.)
LOCATIONArt Institute of Chicago

This lithograph plunges you into a moment of intense public shame, depicting Jane Shore, mistress of Edward IV, in utter despair amidst a condemning crowd. The stark contrasts of light and shadow amplify her isolation and the scene's emotional weight.

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ABOUT THIS WORK

In this dramatic lithograph, a woman, Jane Shore, kneels in a posture of despair, her head bowed and her hands clasped in front of her. She is surrounded by a hostile crowd, their faces contorted in judgment, their bodies pressing in. The scene is set in a shadowy, oppressive space, emphasized by the stark contrasts of light and dark inherent to the lithographic process. A single figure, perhaps a guard or an official, stands over her, adding to the sense of her isolation and vulnerability. The artist captures a moment of intense emotional distress, focusing on the psychological impact of public humiliation. This work exemplifies the Romantic movement's fascination with historical narratives and heightened human emotion.

ART MOVEMENTS
Academic artRomanticism
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What to Notice

1

The way Jane Shore's bowed head and clasped hands convey her profound despair.

2

The varied expressions of judgment and accusation on the faces in the crowd.

3

The deep shadows and bright highlights that intensify the scene's drama.

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Audio Deep Dive

This lithograph plunges you into a moment of intense public shame, depicting Jane Shore, mistress of Edward IV, in utter despair amidst a condemning crowd. The…

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THE ARTIST
Eugène Delacroix 1798–1863 · France

French Romantic master whose 'Lion Hunt' and exotic scenes revolutionized color and movement in 19th-century art.

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