Hamlet and the Corpse of Polonius

Hamlet and the Corpse of Polonius is a pivotal lithograph created by Eugène Delacroix in 1835. Classified as a print, this impression is noted specifically as the second state of four, indicating the artist's intensive process of refining the visual narrative through technical adjustments before final publication. This work belongs to Delacroix’s long and profound engagement with the tragedies of William Shakespeare, particularly the iconic character of Hamlet, which served as a major inspiration for Romantic artists seeking psychological depth.

The choice of lithography, a medium well-suited to rapid, expressive mark-making, allowed Delacroix to capture the moodiness and psychological complexity of the Shakespearian drama with immediate vigor. The scene captures the grim aftermath of the tragic confrontation, centering on one of the prominent men depicted: Hamlet, who stands overwhelmed by remorse or shock over the concealed body of Polonius. Delacroix uses the stark tonal contrasts inherent in the process to emphasize the dramatic tension. Hamlet is often shown clutching his sword, symbolizing the impulsive violence that resulted in the death of the aging courtier (the corpse) hidden behind the arras.

Delacroix, a leading figure of French Romanticism, was profoundly drawn to the emotional intensity inherent in this scene, where guilt, shock, and destiny converge. This significant example of Romantic prints is housed within the expansive collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The 1835 date places this work firmly within Delacroix’s mature period, showcasing his mastery of draftsmanship and his singular ability to translate profound literary drama into powerful visual form.