Lichamen van Romeo en Julia te midden van rouwende figuren before 1853

Charles Rochussen created this print, "Lichamen van Romeo en Julia te midden van rouwende figuren", using etching in the Netherlands, sometime in the 19th century. Here, the artist depicts the tragic climax of Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet. Note the social commentary inherent in this choice of subject matter. In Rochussen's time, Shakespeare's plays were a cultural touchstone. By depicting the play's tragic lovers, Rochussen engages with themes of love, fate, and the destructive nature of social conflict. The setting appears to be a somber public space rather than a private tomb, emphasizing the communal dimension of the tragedy. Figures from different social strata are visibly mourning the loss of the lovers. To understand this piece further, it's helpful to consider the artist's background. Rochussen worked in a time of great social change and institutional development. Prints were becoming a popular medium for conveying stories to a wider audience. Rochussen seems to be asking the viewer to reflect on the moral dimensions of the tragedy and consider the social forces that led to such a heartbreaking end. The image serves as a mirror to the complexities of human relationships and the social order.