The Murder of Polonius (Act III, Scene IV)

Eugène Delacroix

National Gallery of Art

The image shows two full-length figures. The man in the foreground stands with his body angled forward, right leg extended, and his right arm thrust forward, holding a pointed sword. His facial features include a sharp profile, a short, dark hairstyle, and a focused expression. He is dressed in dark medieval-style clothing, including a tunic, tights, pointed shoes, and a belt around his waist. Behind him, a second figure, presumably a woman, is slightly bent forward with her left arm extending onto his shoulder. Her facial profile is visible under a crown-like headpiece, and she is wearing flowing fabric, likely a gown or a robe. She appears to be gazing in the same direction as the man, with her expression partially obscured by shadows. The background features a large draped curtain to the left and a textured dark area on the right.