The Tragic Actor (Rouvière in the role of Hamlet)

"The Tragic Actor (Rouvière in the role of Hamlet)" by Édouard Manet, painted in 1865, depicts the French actor Philibert Rouvière in the role of Shakespeare's Hamlet, capturing the dramatic intensity and theatrical presence of the character. This work reflects Manet's interest in contemporary subjects and his engagement with the theatrical world, emphasizing the intersection of art and performance.

Édouard Manet's "The Tragic Actor (Rouvière in the role of Hamlet)" is an etching that captures the dramatic presence of the actor Philibert Rouvière, depicted in the iconic role of Hamlet. The work employs plate tone and black ink on ivory laid paper to emphasize the somber and introspective nature of the character, with Rouvière's expressive posture and attire rendered in a manner that highlights the theatrical intensity of the scene.