Ophelia was painted by Eduardo Rosales in 1865.

Where can I see Ophelia?

Ophelia is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Ophelia?

Ophelia is associated with Realism.

Can I buy a print of Ophelia?

Museum-quality prints of Ophelia are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Ophelia

Eduardo Rosales , 1865

Ophelia is an oil painting by the Realist artist Eduardo Rosales. It dates from 1865 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Overview

Ophelia is a painting executed in oil by Spanish artist Eduardo Rosales in 1865. It portrays a pivotal, distressing moment of the Shakespearean character Ophelia from Hamlet.

Subject & Meaning

The painting captures Ophelia in a state of distress, set amidst a serene yet poignant landscape. A woman, identifiable as Ophelia, stands centrally in a flowing white gown, with dark hair pulled back, surrounded by trees and water. A white cloth lies in the foreground, subtly hinting at her tragic fate.

Technique & Style

Rosales employed loose, expressive brushstrokes and a muted palette of blues and browns to evoke depth and atmosphere. While associated with the Realist movement and Italian Purismo, this work reflects a balance between realism and emotive interpretation.

History & Provenance

Created in 1865 by Eduardo Rosales (1836-), a Spanish painter known for historical themes, Ophelia is now part of the Museo del Prado's collection in Madrid.

Context

Painted during a period of artistic transition in Europe, Ophelia reflects Rosales' engagement with both the detailed approach of Purismo and the emotional intensity of Realist themes, applied to a universally recognized literary figure.

Legacy

As part of the Prado's collection, Ophelia contributes to the museum's representation of 19th-century Spanish art, offering insights into Rosales' contribution to the era's artistic movements.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Eduardo Rosales

Eduardo Rosales Gallinas (4 November 1836 – 13 September 1873) was a Spanish painter. He was an adherent of the Italian-based art movement known as "Purismo" and specialized in historical scenes.