The Myth and Madness of Ophelia explores the visual representation of one of Shakespeare's most intriguing and popular heroines, from her earliest appearance in 18th-century illustrated editions of Hamlet to the present. It includes paintings, prints, drawings, book illustrations, film, photography, and dance. Among the diverse range of artists are Benjamin West, Eugene Delacroix, Julia Margaret Cameron, Edward Steichen, Gwen John, Alfred Hitchcock, and Louise Bourgeois. Carol Solomon Kiefer provides an historical and analytical overview of the representation of Ophelia along with discussions of her identification with female madness, changing concepts of femininity, and her appropriation in contemporary art and popular culture. Georgianna Ziegler (Folger Shakespeare Library) considers the spiritualization of Ophelia in the Victorian era. H. R. Coursen (University of Maine) focuses on major stage and film Ophelias in the 20th century.

The Myth and Madness of Ophelia

Arts & Photography

Kiefer, Carol Solomon

Collections, Catalogs & Exhibitions

Amherst College

<p>The catalog essays provide an overview of Josephine's life and a history of her residence, Malmaison. The image and iconography of the empress are explored in official and unofficial portraits as well as in British caricatures and French popular prints, miniatures, sculpture and decorative arts. Her collecting interests and patronage are examined - from horticulture, botanical illustration and the design of her garden at Malmaison to fashion, commemorative projects and contemporary art, including women artists and the painters of the Troubadour style. Other key themes include Josephine's role as a collector, the medieval revival of the early nineteenth century and the celebrated painting of the coronation by Jacques-Louis David.</p>

The Empress Josephine: Art & Royal Identity

History & Criticism

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Kiefer, Carol Solomon. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by Kiefer, Carol Solomon

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by Kiefer, Carol Solomon. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

The Myth and Madness of Ophelia

The Empress Josephine: Art & Royal Identity