Hamlet and the Queen, plate 10 from Hamlet

Hamlet and the Queen, plate 10 from Hamlet is a powerful lithograph created by the pivotal French Romantic artist Eugène Delacroix (1798-1863) in 1834. This work is part of a celebrated series dedicated to illustrating William Shakespeare’s tragedy, a profound source of inspiration that resonated deeply with Romantic sensibilities across Europe. The choice of lithography for the series underscores Delacroix's desire to capture immediate emotional depth and suggests the growing importance of accessible prints during the 19th century.

Delacroix rendered this specific plate using the technique of lithography in black on delicate off-white China paper, which was subsequently laid down onto a supportive sheet of white wove paper. This process allowed the artist to achieve rich, velvety black tones and nuanced contrasts, perfectly suited for the intense psychological atmosphere of the scene. The medium’s flexibility enabled a fluid handling of form, mirroring the painterly quality seen in Delacroix’s canvases.

Plate 10 depicts the fraught confrontation between Hamlet and his mother, Queen Gertrude, within her private chamber. Delacroix often chose the most emotionally charged moments for his illustrations, focusing here on the raw drama of accusation and remorse. This piece exemplifies the Romantic movement’s engagement with literary darkness and internal conflict, cementing Delacroix's reputation as a master interpreter of the tragic narrative tradition. This significant example of printmaking from France is housed within the permanent collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. As a key historical artwork, the image is frequently reproduced and is often available through public domain art initiatives, ensuring continued access to Delacroix's compelling visual interpretations.