Who painted Hamlet: Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia?

Hamlet: Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia was painted by Eugène Delacroix in 1843.

Where can I see Hamlet: Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia?

Hamlet: Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Hamlet: Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia?

Hamlet: Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Hamlet: Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia

Eugène Delacroix , 1843

Hamlet: Hamlet and Laertes in the Grave of Ophelia is a print by the Romanticist artist Eugène Delacroix. It dates from 1843 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1843 print by Eugène Delacroix illustrates a pivotal moment from Shakespeare's *Hamlet*, capturing the emotional confrontation between Hamlet and Laertes at Ophelia's gravesite.

Subject & Meaning

The scene conveys profound sorrow and despair through the characters' postures and facial expressions. Hamlet's anguish and Laertes' somberness underscore the tragic loss of Ophelia, highlighting the emotional depth of Shakespeare's narrative.

Technique & Style

Delacroix employs chiaroscuro to create dramatic depth, contrasting light and dark to emphasize the emotional intensity of the moment. His style, characteristic of French Romanticism, prioritizes expressive color and movement over precise detail.

History & Provenance

Created in 1843, the work is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, reflecting Delacroix's influence by Rubens and the Venetian Renaissance.

Artist & collection

Artist

Eugène Delacroix

Ferdinand Victor Eugène Delacroix ( DEL-ə-krwah, -⁠KRWAH; French: ; 26 April 1798 – 13 August 1863) was a French Romantic artist who was regarded as the leader of the French Romantic school.