Hamlet Attempts to Kill the King 1834 - 1843

"Hamlet Attempts to Kill the King" (1834-1843) is a dramatic lithograph by Eugène Delacroix, a leading figure in the French Romantic movement. Depicting a pivotal moment from Shakespeare's play, this artwork captures the intense emotions and turmoil of the protagonist Hamlet. The composition, emphasizing the dramatic gesture of the young prince, draws viewers into the psychological complexity of Hamlet's revenge plot. The contrasting figures of Hamlet, poised to strike, and the kneeling King Claudius highlight the tension and moral conflict. This artwork offers a glimpse into Delacroix's powerful ability to translate literary themes into visual drama.