The Death of Ophelia (Mort d'Ophélie), from the Hamlet series
Eugène Delacroix
French, 1798–1863
Details
Title
The Death of Ophelia (Mort d'Ophélie), from the Hamlet series
Artist/Maker
Eugène Delacroix (French, 1798–1863)
Date
1843, printed 1864
Medium
Black and white lithograph on wove paper
Dimensions
7 5/16 × 10 1/8 inches
Credit
Purchase in honor of Mrs. Robert Wells, President 1972-1973 of the Members Guild
Accession #
73.47
Location
Currently not on view
Ophelia, whose mind has become unhinged by the murder of Polonius, her father, and by Hamlet’s rejection of her, has fallen into a stream while picking flowers. As reported in Gertrude’s words, she drifted in the water “till that her garments, heavy with their drink, pull'd the poor wretch from her melodious lay to muddy death.” Drawn in nuanced shadings of gray, the composition’s delicate beauty contrasts with the tragic event it depicts.
More from this Artist
Hamlet Makes Comedians Play the Scene of His Father’s Poisoning (Hamlet Fait Jouer aux Comediens la Scene de l’Empoisionnement de son Pere), from the Hamlet series
Eugène Delacroix
Hamlet Tries to Follow His Father’s Ghost (Hamlet Veut Suivre L’Ombre de Son Pere), from the Hamlet series
Eugène Delacroix
Hamlet Attempts to Kill the King (Hamlet Tente de Tuer le Roi), from the Hamlet series
Eugène Delacroix