Hamlet en Ophelia 1778

Daniel Chodowiecki made this print of Hamlet and Ophelia. It’s a reminder of the public role of theatre in the 18th century, when seeing and being seen at a play was a major social event. Here, Chodowiecki depicts actors rather than the fictional characters, as we can see by the text at the bottom of the print. This reflects the cult of celebrity that surrounded famous actors and actresses. It also emphasizes the constructedness of stagecraft, costumes and sets that allow players to present the drama. The scene appears to be set in a theater, but it also reminds us of a royal palace with draped curtains and imposing pillars. By presenting the actors in the roles of Hamlet and Ophelia, Chodowiecki comments on the power of theatre to transform the players and the audience. The image uses visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations to create meaning. To learn more about the cultural context, you might consult theatre reviews from the period or even conduct genealogical research on these actors.