Scene from Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale' (Act II, Scene 1) 

William Hamilton painted this scene from Shakespeare's 'The Winter's Tale,' likely in the late 18th century, capturing a moment rife with gendered and political tensions. At its core, the painting depicts a crisis of male authority. King Leontes's irrational jealousy explodes, leading him to publicly denounce his wife Hermione's fidelity. Observe how Hermione, seated and surrounded by her ladies, is the picture of maternal poise, while Leontes, adorned in red, embodies rage. Their son, Mamillius, appears to be caught in the crossfire. Hamilton mirrors a broader societal anxiety about succession, legitimacy, and the perceived threat of female power. The composition emphasizes the emotional drama, marking a divergence from earlier, more stoic representations of power. Hamilton is highlighting not just the narrative, but its deep psychological and emotional resonances. The tragedy unfolds as Leontes’s unchecked ego destroys his family and kingdom. The painting reflects how societal structures can crumble under the weight of personal failings.