Image 17 of 30

(Click on image to get enlarged view.)

Description: Shows murder of King Hamlet, but before play begins, and has title 'Introduction'. At centre upon a bench lies the sleeping King Hamlet. It is an interior scene although outside the open door to right is foliage suggestive of the orchard. The murderer at right bends over the king and pours poison into his ear with his right hand. With his left hand he reaches towards the crown which the sleeping king has removed and laid down beside him. Above the sleeping king in an alcove is a large statue of the female figure of Justice with a pair of scales in her right hand and an unsheathed raised sword in her left hand. There is a sun (for Truth?) on her breast plate. Her left foot is placed upon a serpent.

Folger Act/Sc/L: 1.5.71
Arden Act/Sc/L: 1.5.64
TLN: 749.00

Artist: Retzsch, Frederick August Moritz
Artist (Original work): Retzsch, Frederick August Moritz
Date: 1827
Date (Original work): 1827
Medium: Engraving (line)
Size: 17 x 22.8 cms; 6 3/4 x 9 in
Actor:
Production:

Location: FSL. Art File S528h1 no. 152 pt. 2. Cf. 1848 drawings by William M. Anderson (FSL. Art Box A522, nos. 1-17).