Ophelia

Henry Lejeune (English, 1820-1904)

Oil on panel

7 11/16 x W: 7 inches (19.6 x 17.8 cm)

[Click on image to enlarge it.]

Thanks to the Walters Art Museum, which permits reproducing their texts and images under the Creative Commons Licence.

Commentary from the Walters Art Museum site

Lejeune began to exhibit at the Royal Academy in 1840, showing mostly religious subjects. He later became an associate member of the academy and served as its curator and master of drawing. Ophelia was Lord Polonius' innocent young daughter who went insane and committed suicide in Shakespeare's "Hamlet." In this frontal view, Ophelia is shown from the bust up against a dark black background, wearing a white gown edged with gold. Her long brown hair is parted in the middle and crowned by a ring of white flowers, and she modestly averts her eyes, avoiding the direct gaze of the viewer.

References

“Ophelia” Walters Art Museum. Web. 8 November 2011. [Note: search by accession number — 37.2665 — to locate item.]

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Last modified 9 November 2011