The artwork titled “The Death of Ophelia,” created by Eugene Delacroix in 1838, is an oil on canvas that exemplifies the Romanticism art movement. Classified as a literary painting, this piece draws inspiration from the tragic character Ophelia from William Shakespeare’s play “Hamlet.” The artwork is housed at the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, Germany. Delacroix’s interpretation is imbued with the emotional intensity and individualism that are characteristic of the Romantic period.
In the artwork, the figure of Ophelia is rendered in a state of serene repose as she floats in the water amidst a dark and foreboding landscape. Her body is softly illuminated, suggesting an otherworldly or ethereal quality, which contrasts with the dark, rich tones of the surrounding environment. Delacroix’s brushwork is loose and expressive, adding to the tumultuous and atmospheric effect of the natural setting, while simultaneously highlighting the tranquility of Ophelia in her final moments. Her dress billows around her like a diaphanous shroud, and her arms are spread subtly, which may suggest a surrender to her tragic fate. The depiction successfully captures the poignancy of the scene and the Romantic fascination with death, nature, and the sublime.