Superb paintings of this tragedy from Roman history, by Veronese, Reni, Gentileschi, Rembrandt and Godfrey Kneller.
suicide
As narrative painting went into decline, Ophelia became even more popular. From Henrietta Rae through sub-aqua views to Waterhouse’s obsession.
Millais’ wonderful painting of Ophelia wasn’t the first such work. From West and Delacroix to Rossetti and Bastien-Lepage, here she is.
The strongest and most moving narrative can be the simplest: one woman and one dagger.