The Death of Ophelia
1848 Louvre Museum
About this artwork
This oil painting by Eugène Delacroix depicts Ophelia, a character from Shakespeare's Hamlet, submerged in water amongst foliage. It is a powerful example of Romantic art, emphasizing emotional intensity and a dramatic narrative.
Did you know?
Eugène Delacroix, a master of Romanticism, was captivated by the tragic fate of Shakespeare's Ophelia, making her a recurrent subject in his work. This particular painting captures the melancholic beauty and dramatic intensity of her death, aligning perfectly with the Romantic ideal of emphasizing emotion over rationality. The lush, dark foliage and swirling water heighten the sense of her mournful demise.
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The Death of Ophelia
Eugène Delacroix, 1848
