Hamlet Before the Body of Polonius
1854-1856
Eugène Delacroix captures one of Shakespeare's most dramatic moments here, where a young Hamlet stands grimly over the body of Polonius, sword in hand. The French Romantic master uses a massive, sweeping red curtain to dominate the composition, symbolizing the bloody consequences of Hamlet's rash decision to stab through the fabric thinking he was killing the King. In the background, a grieving figure watches in horror, adding a layer of tragic irony to the scene. Delacroix was absolutely obsessed with Shakespeare, creating a whole series of works based on the plays, proving that 19th-century French artists were just as hooked on English drama as we are today.
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