Ophelia – Head Study 1852

This is a pencil head study for Ophelia, made by Sir John Everett Millais sometime in the mid-19th century. Millais was a leading figure in the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, a group of artists who rejected the academic art of the Royal Academy and sought to revive the style of early Renaissance art. This study captures the tragic figure of Ophelia from Shakespeare's Hamlet, just before she drowns. Ophelia’s depiction reflects the Victorian era's complex attitudes towards women. On one hand, she represents female vulnerability and madness, fitting into the trope of the "fallen woman." At the same time, she evokes a sense of beauty. Millais' choice to portray Ophelia in such detail demonstrates a departure from idealized representations, towards a more naturalistic, albeit romanticized, portrayal. To fully understand this study, we must consider the social and cultural context in which it was made. Art historical research draws on literary sources, social histories, and critical analyses to reveal the complex meanings embedded within this seemingly simple drawing. Ultimately, the meaning of art is contingent on its historical context.