Eugene Delacroix’s “Macbeth and the Witches,” created in 1825, is a notable work of art from the Romantic period, executed through the medium of lithography. This literary painting draws its theme from Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy, “Macbeth,” and is part of the collection housed at the Musée national Eugène Delacroix in Paris, France. The artwork is characterized by the emotional intensity and dramatic flair typical of Romanticism.
The artwork depicts a compelling scene from “Macbeth,” where the central character, Macbeth, is confronted by the three witches. The witches are shown in an act of prophecy or incantation, gesturing mysteriously as they address Macbeth, who appears attentive and perhaps troubled by their presence. His posture and expression convey a sense of tension and foreboding. The dark, atmospheric rendering of the scene accentuates the supernatural and ominous themes inherent in the narrative. Delacroix’s use of chiaroscuro, contrasting light and shadow, is masterful, creating a sense of depth and psychological complexity that pays homage to the literary source.