Hamlet 

John Austen created this drawing of Hamlet, a tragedy by William Shakespeare, during a period of significant cultural and social change in the early 20th century. Austen’s artistic style, influenced by the Art Deco movement, brings a fresh lens to Shakespeare's exploration of themes such as revenge, morality, and madness. The characters, rendered in stark black and white, evoke the play’s deep emotional conflicts. Gender roles are also subtly addressed through Austen's character portrayals. Ophelia is depicted as a fragile, ethereal figure, while Hamlet embodies both strength and vulnerability. The artist's choice to illustrate Hamlet during this transformative period suggests an exploration of societal norms and identity. "Hamlet" invites us to confront the complexities of the human condition, our inner turmoil, and the weight of societal expectations.