Hamlet Reproaches His Mother

"Hamlet Reproaches His Mother," a powerful graphite drawing created by Eugène Delacroix between 1829 and 1839, explores one of William Shakespeare's most psychologically intense dramatic scenes. This work, classified as a drawing, is a preparatory study focusing on the devastating confrontation between the Prince of Denmark and Queen Gertrude following the death of King Hamlet and her hasty marriage to his brother. Delacroix, a central figure of French Romanticism, was captivated throughout his career by Shakespearean tragedies, finding in their heightened emotional states and dramatic situations perfect subjects for his expressive draftsmanship.

Executed in sensitive graphite, the composition captures the raw tension required of the stage subject matter. The drawing highlights the contrasting figures of the Men and Women in the scene: the agitated Prince, marked by the intensity of his accusation, facing the defensive or perhaps repentant Queen. Delacroix expertly renders complex human emotions even in this sketch format, demonstrating his commitment to dynamic narrative. The artist often returned to the theme of Hamlet, producing many lithographs and drawings based on the play, which helped cement the popular image of the melancholy Prince during the 19th century.

This compelling piece resides in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it serves as a crucial document in understanding Delacroix’s engagement with literary source material. While the original work remains housed at The Met, high-quality prints and reproductions derived from the public domain ensure that Delacroix’s profound interpretation of Hamlet Reproaches His Mother remains widely accessible for study and appreciation.