Hamlet devant le corps de Polonius (1854-1856)

Dramatic and intense, "Hamlet devant le corps de Polonius" (Hamlet before the body of Polonius) by Eugène Delacroix, captures a pivotal scene from William Shakespeare's enduring tragedy, *Hamlet*. Created between 1854 and 1856, this painting delves into the emotional turmoil and moral complexity of its central character, Prince Hamlet.The composition features Hamlet standing over the lifeless body of Polonius, whom he has just mistakenly killed, mistaking him for his treacherous uncle. Polonius, the king's advisor, lies sprawled on the floor, a fatal error made while eavesdropping behind a luxurious, heavy red curtain. Hamlet, dressed in rich, dark attire with golden embellishments, gazes upwards in a reflective state, possibly contemplating the gravity of his actions, with his sword still in hand, signaling the rashness of his deed.In the background, through an open archway, a figure—perhaps Hamlet's mother, Queen Gertrude—can be seen, adding depth to the scene and signifying the broader implications of this tragic misstep on the royal family and the kingdom.Delacroix's masterful use of color and shadow conveys the weight of the moment, enriching the scene with a brooding, somber mood that underscores the themes of betrayal, revenge, and the tragic cost of impulsiveness.