The Play Scene in Hamlet, Act III, Scene II 1897

Edwin Austin Abbey’s *The Play Scene in Hamlet, Act III, Scene II* (1897) is an oil painting depicting a scene from Shakespeare’s play. It features a large group of characters, including Hamlet, Ophelia, and the King and Queen. Abbey’s work is notable for its detailed costuming and atmospheric depiction of the scene, capturing the play’s dramatic tension. The scene unfolds on a stage, with a dark backdrop that is illuminated by a single spotlight, creating a dramatic and intimate setting. The painting is an excellent example of Abbey’s work as a historical painter and a master of dramatic composition.