Ophelia Alexandre Cabanel (1823-1889)

In this painting, Ophelia is depicted in a state of death. She lies in a stream, with her head tilted back and her left arm outstretched as if reaching for the sky. Her face is pale and serene, her eyes closed, and her lips slightly parted. Her long, auburn hair fans out around her head, adorned with a crown of flowers and leaves. She wears a flowing white gown with blue sleeves and trim, which floats on the waters surface. Small white flowers are scattered around her, and some also appear subtly reflected in the dark water. The background is a dark, atmospheric landscape with tangled trees and foliage, creating a somber and melancholic mood.
The painting alludes to Shakespeares Hamlet, specifically Ophelias tragic death by drowning after going mad due to her fathers murder and Hamlets rejection. The subtext here is rich with themes of lost innocence, madness, and the destructive power of love and betrayal. The serene expression on Ophelias face, contrasted with the dark and drowning setting, likely suggests a release from her earthly suffering, a final peace found in death. The natural elements, such as the flowers and trees, can be interpreted as symbols of her transient beauty and the fleeting nature of life, while the dark water represents the ultimate embrace of oblivion. The painting evokes a sense of pity and sorrow for Ophelias fate, capturing a pivotal and heartbreaking moment in the play.