The Death of Hamlet

"The Death of Hamlet" is an intensely realized graphite drawing by French Romantic master Eugène Delacroix, executed across the period between 1838 and 1848. This dramatic sketch explores the climactic conclusion of William Shakespeare’s tragedy, focusing on the dying Prince of Denmark surrounded by the casualties of the fatal duel. Delacroix’s artistic career was defined by a deep engagement with literature, particularly the works of Shakespeare and Goethe, which provided rich material for his expressive and dynamic style. The focus on extreme psychological states and historical tragedy perfectly aligns this drawing with the core characteristics of 19th-century Romanticism.

The use of graphite allows Delacroix to rapidly establish form and shadow, revealing the raw energy typical of a preparatory study. The varied pressure and expressive line work highlight the artist's foundational draftsmanship as he refined his interpretation of the iconic final scene. The extended creation period, stretching a decade, underscores Delacroix’s enduring commitment to the character of Hamlet, a figure he depicted repeatedly across different media, including famous lithographs. This drawing, therefore, serves as a critical document illustrating the development of the artist’s interpretation of Shakespearean drama. As a work now secured in the public domain, prints allow wider scholarly access to this pivotal piece. This significant example of 19th-century French drawing is housed in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.