Hamlet; ‘Now I might do it pat, now he is praying’, Act III, Scene iii, Hamlet
A hand-painted replica of Edwin Austin Abbey’s masterpiece Hamlet; ‘Now I might do it pat, now he is praying’, Act III, Scene iii, Hamlet, meticulously crafted by professional artists to capture the true essence of the original. Each piece is created with museum-quality canvas and rare mineral pigments, carefully painted by experienced artists with delicate brushstrokes and rich, layered colors to perfectly recreate the texture of the original artwork. Unlike machine-printed reproductions, this hand-painted version brings the painting to life, infused with the artist’s emotions and skill in every stroke. Whether for personal collection or home decoration, it instantly elevates the artistic atmosphere of any space.
Edwin Austin Abbey's painting Hamlet; ‘Now I might do it pat, now he is praying’, Act III, Scene iii, Hamlet is a notable work of art inspired by William Shakespeare's tragedy Hamlet. Created in 1897, the painting depicts a pivotal moment from Act III, Scene iii, where Prince Hamlet contemplates killing King Claudius while he is praying. This scene is significant in the play, as Hamlet ultimately decides against taking action, believing that killing Claudius during prayer would send his soul to heaven, thus failing to achieve true revenge for his father’s murder.
Abbey, an American artist known for his illustrations and paintings, was deeply influenced by literature, particularly Shakespeare. His works often reflect a meticulous attention to historical detail and dramatic composition. Abbey was a member of the Royal Academy of Arts in London and spent much of his career in England, where he gained recognition for his Shakespearean-themed artworks.
In this painting, Abbey captures the tension and moral conflict of the scene. Hamlet is portrayed standing in the shadows, holding a sword, as he watches Claudius kneeling in prayer. The composition emphasizes the psychological drama of the moment, with Hamlet's indecision and inner turmoil contrasted against Claudius's apparent vulnerability. Abbey's use of lighting and color enhances the emotional intensity, with the dimly lit setting creating a somber and contemplative atmosphere.
The painting is part of a series of works by Abbey that illustrate scenes from Shakespeare's plays. These paintings were highly regarded for their ability to bring the Bard's characters and narratives to life. Abbey's dedication to historical accuracy and his skill in rendering textures and expressions contributed to the success of his Shakespearean series.
Hamlet; ‘Now I might do it pat, now he is praying’ is housed in the Yale University Art Gallery in New Haven, Connecticut. It remains an important example of Abbey's artistic legacy and his contribution to the visual interpretation of Shakespeare's works. The painting continues to be studied and appreciated for its artistic merit and its ability to convey the psychological depth of one of Shakespeare's most famous characters.
