The Tragic Beauty of John Everett Millais’s Ophelia (1851-1852)

John Everett Millais’s painting Ophelia (1851-1852) is a seminal work of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, an artistic movement that sought to challenge the conventions of their time. This captivating piece not only depicts a pivotal moment from Shakespeare’s Hamlet but also embodies the Victorian fascination with nature, beauty, and the intricate language of flowers. Millais’s Ophelia stands out for its emotional depth and exquisite detail, making it a masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today.

Central Theme

The central theme of Millais’s Ophelia is the tragic death of its titular character, Ophelia, as she succumbs to madness and grief in the wake of her father’s death and Hamlet’s rejection. The scene is sourced from Act IV, Scene VII of Shakespeare’s Hamlet, where Queen Gertrude vividly describes Ophelia’s death. Although the drowning is not depicted on stage, the audience is left to imagine the heartbreaking scene, amplified by Gertrude’s poetic recounting of Ophelia floating amidst the flowers she once adored.

In this moment of despair, Ophelia is rendered with an ethereal quality, floating in the river just before her tragic end. Millais’s choice to paint this scene challenges the traditional Danish setting of the play, as he opted to capture it on the banks of the Hogsmill River in Surrey, England. This decision not only grounds the work in the British landscape but also reflects the Pre-Raphaelite commitment to naturalism and the beauty of the English countryside.

Symbolism

Millais’s attention to detail extends to the symbolism embedded in the flowers that surround Ophelia. Each bloom is meticulously chosen, reflecting the Victorian “language of flowers,” which imbued each species with specific meanings. For instance, the poppy symbolizes sleep and death, echoing Ophelia’s fate. The combination of flora serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate interplay between life and death, underscoring the tragedy of her demise.

Ophelia’s pose further complicates the symbolism of the painting. With her arms open and her gaze directed upward, she evokes traditional depictions of saints and martyrs, yet her vulnerability also hints at more ambiguous interpretations, including elements of eroticism. This duality adds layers of complexity to her portrayal, inviting viewers to contemplate the myriad meanings of her tragic end.

Pre-Raphaelite Style

As a hallmark of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, Millais’s Ophelia is characterized by its bright colors and meticulous detail, creating a hyperrealistic portrayal of nature. The vivid hues of the surrounding landscape stand in stark contrast to Ophelia’s pallor, emphasizing her fragility and isolation. This stylistic choice captures the essence of the Pre-Raphaelites’ devotion to nature and their desire to elevate the ordinary into the realm of the extraordinary.

Millais employed a two-stage painting process, beginning with the landscape before adding Ophelia’s figure. He dedicated months to painting the Hogsmill River, meticulously capturing its environment while enduring harsh outdoor conditions. The commitment to detail reflects Millais’s dedication to authenticity, a principle central to the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood.

The Model and Painting Process

The model for Ophelia was Elizabeth Siddal, Millais’s muse, who famously posed fully clothed in a bathtub filled with water heated by oil lamps. Siddal’s contribution to the painting was significant, as her own struggles with mental health and societal expectations resonated with the themes of Ophelia’s story. Millais’s decision to use a live model contributed to the painting’s emotional depth, allowing him to capture the nuances of Siddal’s expressions and posture.

Interestingly, Millais originally included a water vole in the painting, but it was later painted out following mixed responses from viewers. This adjustment reflects Millais’s sensitivity to the audience’s perception, demonstrating his desire to create a work that would evoke profound emotions without distraction.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its completion, Ophelia received a mixed initial response. Some critics found the painting unsettling, particularly criticizing Millais’s choice to depict Ophelia’s demise in a “weedy ditch.” However, over time, the work garnered acclaim for its emotional impact and aesthetic beauty, establishing itself as a defining piece of the Pre-Raphaelite movement.

Ophelia has inspired numerous reinterpretations across various art forms, including film and music. Notable adaptations include Laurence Olivier’s Hamlet and Lars von Trier’s Melancholia, both of which draw on the tragic themes encapsulated in Millais’s painting. The haunting beauty of Ophelia’s story continues to resonate with contemporary audiences, as exemplified by Nick Cave’s song “Where the Wild Roses Grow,” which echoes the themes of love and loss.

Surrealist artist Salvador Dalí praised the “flagrant surrealism” of Pre-Raphaelite works like Ophelia, even creating his own interpretation in 1973. This connection highlights the timeless nature of Millais’s work, as it bridges the gap between the Victorian era and modern artistic movements.

Moreover, Ophelia enjoys immense popularity in Japan, where it has been exhibited multiple times, attesting to its international appeal. The painting’s aesthetic and emotional resonance transcend cultural boundaries, captivating audiences around the world.

Valuation and Cultural Impact

Originally purchased for 300 guineas in 1851, Ophelia is now considered priceless, with an estimated worth of over £30 million. This dramatic increase in value reflects not only the painting’s artistic significance but also its status as a cultural icon. Millais’s work has become a symbol of beauty, tragedy, and the complexities of the human experience.

In his correspondence, Millais humorously noted the challenges he faced while painting outdoors, stating, “The flies of Surrey are more muscular, and have a still greater propensity for probing human flesh.” This candid reflection illustrates the lengths to which Millais went to create this masterpiece, capturing the essence of Ophelia’s tragic fate amidst the beauty of the natural world.

Conclusion

John Everett Millais’s Ophelia remains a captivating and enduring masterpiece. Its combination of tragic beauty, meticulous detail, and symbolic richness continues to fascinate viewers and inspire artists across various mediums. The painting invites contemplation of themes such as love, loss, and the fleeting nature of beauty, making it a timeless exploration of the human condition. As we reflect on Ophelia’s tragic story, Millais’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate interplay between life and death, resonating with audiences in profound ways. The enduring legacy of Ophelia affirms its place in the pantheon of art history, where it will continue to inspire future generations.

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