Jealous Monster (from "Fifteen Etchings Dedicated to Sir Joshua Reynolds")

Art Historical Context

"Jealous Monster" is of fifteen etchings created by British artist John Hamilton Mortimer in1778, dedicated to contemporary Sir Joshua Reynolds, the esteemed president of the Royal Academy. on December 8, Mortimer's series reflects the late 18th-century fascination with dramatic, allegorical subjects, blending neoclassical ideals with gothic fantasy. Mortimer, known for his bold history paintings and imaginative drawings, used these prints to pay homage to Reynolds while showcasing his own flair for the grotesque, as seen in tags evoking women and monsters. Etching, Mortimer's chosen medium, involved biting acid into a metal plate to create intricate, expressive lines—ideal for capturing the sinuous forms and shadowy depths of a "jealous monster." Measuring 11 11/16 x 7 15/16 inches on the plate, this work exemplifies printmaking's role in democratizing art, allowing wider dissemination of Mortimer's visions beyond elite patrons. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Elisha Whittelsey Collection, it highlights the technical precision of British graphic arts during the Enlightenment era. This piece invites viewers to ponder jealousy personified as a monstrous entity, intertwining human emotion with the supernatural—a theme resonant in 18th-century moral allegories. Mortimer's untimely death in 1779 adds poignant historical weight, cementing his etchings as a vibrant legacy of artistic experimentation.

About the Artist

John Hamilton Mortimer|Sir Joshua Reynolds · 1740–1779

Comment on works: History; Portraits; Genre