Hamlet and Horatio in the Graveyard

"Hamlet and Horatio in the Graveyard," created by Eugène Delacroix between 1827 and 1828, is a powerful drawing demonstrating the artist's intense engagement with English literary sources. Executed primarily with brush and brown wash combined with watercolor over a foundational graphite sketch on heavy watercolor paper, this work captures a pivotal scene from Shakespeare's tragedy, Hamlet. Delacroix, a leading figure of the French Romantic movement, frequently turned to the dramatic narratives of the playwright, producing a series of significant works centered on the brooding Prince and his tragic fate.

The medium and technique employed by Delacroix emphasize shadow and rapid gesture, characteristic of his drawing style. The brown wash establishes dramatic contrast and mood, highlighting the stark setting of the graveyard. The focus is on the two men, Hamlet and his loyal friend Horatio, examining the unearthed skull. Delacroix portrays Hamlet deep in philosophical contemplation, reacting to the relic’s presence. This expressive approach allowed Delacroix to explore intense psychological states, rendering the scene highly emotional rather than strictly academic.

Dating from a period when Delacroix was heavily influenced by British culture, this piece remains a cornerstone example of Romantic interpretations of Shakespearean subjects. The drawing is classified as one of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's notable holdings, illustrating the early stages of Delacroix’s lifelong fascination with the melancholy Prince. Such masterworks on paper are highly valued for revealing the artist’s direct process, and high-quality prints sometimes allow wider access to these detailed drawings which are sensitive to light exposure.