Hamlet: The Murder of Polonius

The dramatic lithograph, Hamlet: The Murder of Polonius, was created by Eugène Delacroix in 1834. This print is a powerful example of French Romantic art, where Delacroix frequently turned to seminal literary works for inspiration. Delacroix was deeply fascinated by the psychological complexity of Shakespeare’s tragedy, Hamlet, and returned to the subject multiple times throughout his career, often focusing on the Prince’s violent acts or internal anguish. This particular work captures the fatal moment of Act III, Scene 4, set in Queen Gertrude’s chamber.

In this charged image, the figure of Hamlet is dominant, reacting with horror upon realizing his error, having mistaken Polonius hiding behind the arras for Claudius. Delacroix masterfully utilized the lithographic process to achieve high contrast and deep, expressive shadows, emphasizing the emotional turmoil of the scene. The heavy use of line and chiaroscuro conveys the immediate chaos and horror, lending a dynamic, theatrical quality typical of the artist’s style. The emotional intensity preferred by Delacroix is evident in the frantic gesture of Hamlet and the desperate posture of Queen Gertrude, who collapses upon witnessing the accidental murder.

As one of the most expressive artists of the 19th century in France, Delacroix defined how literary drama could be translated into visual prints. This key work demonstrates his ability to infuse technical skill with narrative power. While many important works by this prolific artist are now in the public domain, this impression resides in the permanent collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, preserving a crucial document in the history of Hamlet illustration.