Description
John Everett Millais' painting Ophelia is a masterpiece of the art movement known as Pre-Raphaeliteism. The work was created in 1851 and depicts the heroine of Shakespeare's play Hamlet floating on the water before her death.
The composition of the painting is impressive, with Ophelia floating in the center of the painting, surrounded by a large number of flowers and branches that seem to grow out of the water. The artist used painstaking technique to create every detail of the flowers and plants, giving the painting a sense of realism.
Color is also a very important aspect of painting. Millais used a bright and vibrant color palette to create a mysterious and dreamlike atmosphere. The light filtering through the trees and leaves creates a shimmering effect that gives the painting a sense of life and movement.
The story behind the painting is also fascinating. Millais spent months working on the painting, traveling to the Hogsmill River in Surrey to take notes and study the area's flora and fauna. He also used his wife as a model for Ophelia, giving the painting a personal and emotional touch.
A little known aspect of the painting is that Millais had to deal with various setbacks while creating it. During the painting sessions, his model fell ill and had to be replaced by an actress. Also, the unstable weather caused the river water to get cold, which made the painting process even more difficult.
In short, John Everett Millais' painting Ophelia is a Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece that stands out for its meticulous technique, vibrant color palette, and dreamlike atmosphere. The story behind the painting is also fascinating and gives the work a personal and emotional touch.