Hamlet

Hamlet
Colour lithograph, 1899

Premièred on May 20, 1899 at Bernhardt’s new theatre, Théâtre Sarah Bernhardt, this French adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous play starred Bernhardt in the title role. In this poster, Hamlet’s solitary figure is presented against an arched background richly decorated with Celtic motifs. Hamlet’s psychological relationship with his murdered father is emphasised here with the latter’s ghost appearing in the lunette behind him. The figure of the drowned Ophelia is also included in the composition, encased in the coffin-like narrow strip under Hamlet’s feet. This was the last poster Mucha produced for Bernhardt.