Hamlet: Hamlet and the Corpse of Polonius

Hamlet: Hamlet and the Corpse of Polonius, created by Eugène Delacroix in 1835, is a powerful example of Romantic printmaking, depicting one of the play's darkest scenes. Executed as a lithograph, the work captures the moment the guilt-ridden Prince Hamlet confronts the body of Polonius, whom he has accidentally slain behind the arras. Delacroix emphasizes the dramatic tension inherent in the narrative, utilizing the medium’s capacity for rich, velvety shadows to heighten the emotional intensity of Hamlet’s psychological distress.

Delacroix, a foundational figure of the French Romantic movement, produced a significant body of graphic work across his career, and this particular piece belongs to his extended series illustrating Shakespeare's tragedy. Lithography allowed the artist a freedom of line and a richness of tone that often emulated the spontaneity of drawing. Created in France, the piece reflects the widespread 19th-century European fascination with literary themes and dramatic emotional expression, a hallmark of the era that solidified Delacroix’s reputation as an illustrator.

This print, classified as a significant example of graphic arts from the period, is currently held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Delacroix’s masterful interpretation of Hamlet secured his reputation not only as a painter but also as a dedicated chronicler of dramatic literature. Due to the age and historical importance of such fine art prints, the image is frequently made available through public domain collections, ensuring its accessibility for study and appreciation worldwide.