Hamlet is Tempted to Kill the King (Act III, Scene III)

1834/1843

Eugène Delacroix

Associated Names
Eugène Delacroix

Artist, French, 1798 - 1863

In this illustration, two figures are present. The foreground shows a kneeling individual with their upper body covered by a voluminous garment, presenting the back of their head towards the viewer with a hat sitting atop their head. Their posture suggests they are leaning against a tall architectural element, such as a pillar, while their hands are placed at their knees. Their face is mostly obscured, revealing only a partial profile. Adjacent to this person stands another figure, who is positioned slightly behind and to the side, partially concealed by the door frame. This person holds a sword and appears to be alert, with legs bent as if ready to move quickly. Their hair is short, and they wear clothing reflective of a historical or theatrical context, including elaborate sleeves and garments typical of a gentleman from the Elizabethan era. The background is intricately detailed with architectural elements featuring a door ajar and stone engravings of human figures, suggesting the setting of a grand hall or chamber.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    lithograph

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Accession Number

    1980.45.407

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    Delteil, no. 110, State ii/ii

Associated Artworks

See all 16 artworks
The image shows three individuals standing close to each other. The person in the center is a young man with short, dark hair and a solemn expression. He is wearing a dark, ornate cloak with puffed sleeves and a medallion hanging from his neck. To his left is another individual, possibly a woman, wearing a dress adorned with intricate patterns and a hood or head covering lined with fur. She is holding the central figure's arm closely. On the right stands a man in a crown, wearing a robe with intricate patterns and a fur mantle. He also has a medallion and a prominent belt. The background features architectural elements like tall doors and pillars, with other figures dimly visible.

The Queen Tries to Console Hamlet (Act I, Scene II)

Eugène Delacroix

1834

Hamlet

Eugène Delacroix

1864

Three individuals are depicted in the foreground. The central figure, a man facing left, wears an armor-like garment and a feathered hat. He is supported by two individuals - a woman with long hair to his left, and another man to his right. In the background, a shadowy figure ascends stairs to the left, while a rocky landscape and a castle-like structure on a cliff are visible. The style is dramatic and lithographic, enhancing a mysterious mood with shadow play.

Hamlet Wishes to Follow the Ghost of his Father (Act I, Scene IV)

Eugène Delacroix

1835


Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1906

  • Delteil, Loys. Le peintre-graveur illustre. 31 vols. Paris: Published by the author, 1906-1926. Reprint. New York: Collectors Editions, Da Capo Press, 1969. Vol. 30 (Albert Besnard) is by Louis Godefroy.

Wikidata ID

Q65568196

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