Ophelia 1851–1852

For Victorian painters Shakespeare was a favourite source of inspiration; in particular the tragic-romantic figure of Ophelia from Hamlet proved to be a highly popular subject. John Everett Millais (1829–1896), one of the painters belonging to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, was especially interested in scenes from William Shakespeare's (1564–1616) works which were usually not seen on stage. Most famously, Ophelia's suicide in Hamlet, which is depicted here, could not be realistically staged for practical reasons.

John Everett Millais (1829–1896), Ophelia, oil on canvas, 76.2 x 111.8 cm, 1851–1852; source: © Tate Gallery Britain, London.