OPHELIA – Giclee Print – John William Waterhouse

$ 200.00

Ophelia (1894) by John William Waterhouse is one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant paintings in his body of work, drawing on Shakespeare’s Hamlet and the tragic story of Ophelia, the young woman who descends into madness and ultimately drowns in the stream. Print Size 87 x 52.3cm

Description

Ophelia (1894) by John William Waterhouse is one of the most iconic and emotionally resonant paintings in his body of work, drawing on Shakespeare’s Hamlet and the tragic story of Ophelia, the young woman who descends into madness and ultimately drowns in the stream. Waterhouse, known for his evocative interpretations of myth and literature, uses Ophelia to explore themes of love, loss, and the fragility of the human condition, creating a hauntingly beautiful yet tragic vision of this character.

In the painting, Ophelia is depicted floating in a lush, riverbank setting, surrounded by flowers, as she lies in a tranquil but fatal position in the water. Her flowing white dress, a symbol of innocence and purity, contrasts starkly with the surrounding greenery and the dark, still waters. Waterhouse’s use of vivid color enhances the emotional intensity of the scene, with the pale face of Ophelia and the soft, light brushwork capturing her delicate beauty. The flowers that surround her have symbolic meanings—pansies for thoughts, violets for faithfulness, and daisies for innocence—heightening the sense of tragedy in her demise.

Waterhouse captures Ophelia’s serene expression as she lies in the water, suggesting a mixture of resignation and peace, as if she has surrendered to her fate. This portrayal contrasts with other depictions of Ophelia’s madness and death, offering a more romanticized, almost ethereal interpretation of her end. The way Waterhouse renders the water, with its reflections and ripples, conveys a sense of stillness and finality, making her death feel inevitable and sorrowful.

The painting not only conveys the poignancy of Ophelia’s tragic end but also reflects Waterhouse’s skill in blending beauty with sorrow, using rich symbolism and meticulous detail. Ophelia stands as a masterpiece of Victorian Pre-Raphaelite art, showcasing Waterhouse’s deep understanding of the human spirit and his ability to bring literary characters to life with emotional depth and visual splendor.

Additional information

Weight 1 kg
Dimensions 87 x 52.3 cm