Othello

Artist: Pietro Calvi, Italian, 1833–1884
Depicted: Ira Aldridge, English (born United States), 1807–1867
Date: c.1870
Material: Marble and bronze
made in: Milan, Lombardy region, Italy, Europe
Classification: Sculpture
Collection: Modern and Contemporary Art
Current Location: On View, Gallery 207
Dimensions: height: 35 1/2 in. (90.2 cm)
Credit Line: Bequest of Morton D. May, Bequest of Edith J. and C. C. Johnson Spink, Gift of Margaret Donk Waters, and Gift of Professor and Mrs. Theo Haimann, all by exchange
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 13:2020a,b

NOTES

This sculpture represents the main character of William Shakespeare’s play "Othello," written around 1603. The portrait captures the moment when Othello tragically realizes the innocence of his wife, Desdemona, whom he has killed out of jealousy. The handkerchief he holds was planted by an enemy as false evidence of Desdemona’s betrayal. Pietro Calvi’s dignified depiction of the distraught Othello with a tear rolling down his cheek may be based upon the famous performances of Ira Aldridge (1807–1867), the first Black actor to play Othello in England beginning in 1825.

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