Scène uit Hamlet: de muizenval 1778

This 1778 engraving by an anonymous artist, titled "Scène uit Hamlet: de muizenval," depicts a scene from Shakespeare's Hamlet, specifically the "Mousetrap" play-within-a-play. The scene is likely inspired by a performance of Hamlet at the Berlin Theatre in 1778. The engraving captures the moment when the King, Claudius, is overwhelmed by guilt while watching the play, revealing his role in the murder of the previous King, Hamlet's father. This is a key moment in the play and one that highlights the themes of revenge and justice. The composition is rich in detail, showing the play's actors, the royal court, and the audience. This engraved print provides a glimpse into the theater world of the late 18th century and offers a powerful visual interpretation of one of Shakespeare's most celebrated works.