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This engraving shows King Lear in the storm (Act III, Scene 4). In the center, wild-haired and bearded, Lear rages in madness, pointing a stick and shouting. He is surrounded by Edgar (as Poor Tom) kneeling on the left, Kent and the Fool. A jagged lightning bolt lights the dark sky, mirroring the king’s turmoil. The caption captures his delirious words: “There could I have him now, — and there, — and there again, — and there.� # King Lear descends into madness due to devastating family betrayal. After dividing his kingdom between his two eldest daughters (Goneril and Regan), who flattered him to gain power, they turn against him: they humiliate him, strip away his followers, and cast him out into the storm. Alone, betrayed by his own children and overwhelmed by human ingratitude, Lear loses his mind. The raging storm mirrors his inner turmoil. In this scene, he hallucinates, sees demons, and fully descends into madness. ►Vintage engraving circa late 19th century, engraved by Sir John Gilbert, and edited by Howard Staunton (1882) to illustrate William Shakespeare's play. Digital restoration by Pictore. Authentic ilLustration free of artificial intelligence.