Ophelia (painting)

Ophelia is a painting by John Everett Millais, painted in 1852. It depicts the character from Shakespeare's play Hamlet singing while floating in a river just before her death by drowning, as described in the play in a famous soliloquy by Hamlet's mother Gertrude. Ophelia was modelled by artist and muse Elizabeth Siddall, who famously nearly died from a fever caught while modelling in a cold bath for the painting. Millais was so intent on his work that he had forgotten to replace the candles that were keeping the water warm. The painting is famous for its depiction of the detailed flora of the river and the riverbank, stressing the patterns of growth and decay in natural eco-systems. Ophelia's pose, opening her arms and gazing upwards, resembles traditional portrayals of saints or martyrs. Ophelia is held at Tate Britain, London.

See also

• Pre-Raphaelites

External links

• Photo of Ophelia
• Sleep and Health essay on painting
• The Life of Elizabeth Siddall