Death of Ophelia

The print Death of Ophelia by Eugène Delacroix, executed in 1843, captures one of the most poignant moments in Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet. This specific impression is a lithograph, representing the first state of three, showcasing Delacroix’s dedication to exploring reproductive media. The artist’s choice of subject reflects the Romantic movement's profound interest in profound emotional states, literary sources, and the dramatic representation of Women facing tragedy and Death.

Delacroix depicts Ophelia suspended in the water just moments before drowning, her tragic demise emphasized by the natural setting and the flowers she scattered. Unlike later interpretations, this early work employs the medium of lithography to create somber, intense contrasts, lending the scene an emotional gravity rather than a mere romanticization of suicide. Delacroix’s mastery of the greasy crayon allowed him to translate the sweeping lines and dramatic tonality of his oil sketches into the print format, achieving rich, painterly effects that were unusual for the medium at the time. This focus on texture and light amplifies the pathos inherent in the Shakespearean narrative.

This powerful interpretation of the Hamlet heroine remains a key example of the French Romantic response to English literature. The work is held in the comprehensive collection of prints at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.