The Death of Cato; and Danae and her child Perseus

The Death of Cato is a direct, somewhat confrontational rendering of the event. Cato’s suicide was a key moment in Roman history, which rapidly became legend, serving as a symbol of Republican freedom. Cato was an influential senator and staunch advocate for liberty. He fought Julius Caesar to maintain the Republic, and when he lost, Caesar declared himself emperor for life, and Cato committed suicide for his ideals. Here he is depicted sitting on a draped bed, the dagger held in his hands as he looks down at his wound. Lock uses short hatching and dramatic shadows to give the drawing an angular, somewhat uncomfortable quality.

In contrast, the sinuous, flowing line he employs in Danae and Perseus give a sense of romanticism and highlight the intimacy between mother and child. An oracle had prophesied that Danae’s father, King Acrisius, would be killed by his grandson, so he imprisoned his daughter. Zeus visited her, and she gave birth to Perseus. Acrisius, fearing the prophecy, cast the mother and son adrift in a chest at sea, but they were saved, and Perseus went on to rescue Andromeda and kill the gorgon Medusa. Here, Lock has depicted Danae and Perseus being cast adrift, in a shell-like vessel. Danae is so absorbed in her baby she appears oblivious to the towering waves around them, and exudes a sense of calm.