Figure Study of Ophelia, for The Play Scene, Hamlet, Act III, Scene II c. 1896 - 1897

Edwin Austin Abbey made this study of Ophelia for a scene in Hamlet, rendered with oil paint in a manner that emphasizes texture and emotive expression. The composition focuses on Ophelia's face, framed by her cascading red hair against a dark backdrop, immediately drawing the viewer's eye. The vibrant red contrasts sharply with the pallor of her face, emphasizing her vulnerability. Her eyes, wide and unfocused, suggest a disconnection from reality, reflecting the play's themes of madness and illusion. The brushstrokes are loose and visible, particularly in the hair and clothing, which adds a sense of movement and instability to the figure. Abbey uses color and texture to destabilize the distinction between Ophelia's internal psychological state and her external appearance. This interplay invites reflection on the broader cultural codes of female representation and their relationship to inner turmoil and societal expectations, leaving a lingering impression.