The artwork titled “Study for the Death of Lady Macbeth” was created by Dante Gabriel Rossetti around 1875. This piece is executed in pen, showcasing Rossetti’s affiliation with the Romanticism movement. The sketch measures approximately 30.48 x 35.56 cm and falls under the genre of sketch and study. The original artwork is part of the collection at the Ashmolean Museum, located in Oxford, UK.
The image displays a dramatic scene with a strong emotional context, which is typical of the Romanticism movement that emphasizes emotion and individualism. The focus is on what seems to be a woman in a state of distress or repose, indicative of the character Lady Macbeth from Shakespeare’s play. She appears to be lying down, with her body slightly twisted, indicating movement or inner turmoil. The pen strokes are bold and fluid, contributing to the intensity and darkness of the scene, appropriate to the tragic nature of Lady Macbeth’s story. The intricate detailing, especially around the folds of the fabric and characters, highlights Rossetti’s skill in creating depth and texture using a monochrome palette. The artwork’s mood is heightened by the effective use of light and shadow, giving it an almost theatrical quality.
