Hamlet and his Mother. Episode from Shakspeare's Hamlet 1776 - 1779

Nicolai Abildgaard's "Hamlet and his Mother" (1776-1779) depicts a dramatic scene from Shakespeare's play. The ghost of Hamlet's father appears in the background, while Hamlet confronts his mother, Gertrude, about her marriage to Claudius. This oil-on-canvas painting is a prime example of Neoclassicism, a movement emphasizing rationality and order. The composition's emphasis on clear lines and forms, along with the dramatic gesture of Hamlet, creates a captivating visual narrative. The painting is housed at SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst and is a testament to Abildgaard's skill in capturing the essence of Shakespeare's masterpiece.