One of the most haunting and celebrated paintings of the 19th century, ‘Ophelia’ by Sir John Everett Millais stands as a powerful visual interpretation of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It combines naturalism with rich symbolism to portray the tragic death of Ophelia, a key character from the play. Consumed by grief and madness after her father Polonius is murdered by her lover Hamlet, the painting shows Ophelia purposefully letting herself drown in a stream of water. Her death has been praised as one of the most poetically written death scenes in literature. 

The outstretched arms with her palms open symbolise her surrender to her fate. Her expression is serene yet vacant, suggesting a detachment from reality and an acceptance of her impending death. The overall impression is one of resigned defeat.

The painting is also known for its intricate portrayal of the river’s flora and the surrounding riverbank, highlighting the natural cycle of growth and decay within the ecosystem. Millais’ meticulous attention to detail in the plants and flowers brings the scene to life, with each element holding symbolic significance—some representing innocence, others reflecting loss. For example, the willow tree traditionally symbolizes forsaken love, reflecting Ophelia’s heartbreak over Hamlet’s rejection. This blend of natural beauty and tragic despair deepens the emotional resonance of Ophelia’s death. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to evoke both profound sorrow and awe, offering a poignant reflection on the fragility of life and the inevitability of death.

Feature Image Credit: Alexander McFeron on Unsplash.

Painting: Ophelia 1851-2 Sir John Everett Millais, Bt 1829-1896 Presented by Sir Henry Tate 1894 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/N01506