Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia (Act V, Scene I)

Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia (Act V, Scene I) by Eugène Delacroix, created in 1843, is a powerful lithograph capturing the explosive climax of Shakespeare’s tragedy. The work depicts the pivotal moment in Act V, Scene I, where Hamlet confronts a distraught and vengeance-driven Laertes in the open grave intended for Ophelia. Delacroix, the undisputed leader of the French Romantic school, chose this chaotic, highly emotional encounter as a subject perfectly suited to his dynamic visual language.

As a lithograph, this piece showcases Delacroix’s skill in graphic arts. Delacroix was a key figure active during the period 1826 to 1850, known for prioritizing intense emotion and dynamic movement over classical restraint. Unlike painting, the monochrome nature of the lithograph forces the viewer to focus intently on form and dramatic shadow. Delacroix expertly utilizes heavy chiaroscuro to illuminate Hamlet’s rage as he grapples with Laertes amidst the soil and the stark presence of the gravedigger and Yorick's skull, underscoring the themes of mortality and fate central to the play. The entire scene pulsates with the kinetic energy characteristic of French Romanticism.

This work was produced as part of a portfolio dedicated to illustrating Shakespearean scenes, a popular venture during this era of intense Francophone interest in English literature. Such prints allowed Delacroix’s dramatic vision to be widely disseminated among art lovers and theater enthusiasts. The original print is held in the prestigious collection of the National Gallery of Art. Given the age and historical significance of the image, high-quality prints stemming from the collection often enter the public domain, making Delacroix's visceral interpretation of the play widely accessible for study and appreciation.