The Death of Romeo and Juliet – Compositional Study 1848

Sir John Everett Millais created this composition study of "The Death of Romeo and Juliet" with graphite on paper. Here, we see the tragic climax of Shakespeare's play, dominated by gestures of grief. Note the figure with raised hands, a timeless expression of despair. This motif echoes across centuries, from ancient Greek theatre to Renaissance paintings. The gesture embodies a primal scream, a plea to the heavens in the face of tragedy. It's a visual echo of the soul's agony, reminding us of similar figures in works depicting the Passion of Christ or the lamentations of mythological heroes. Consider how this posture resonates with our collective memory, tapping into subconscious fears and sorrows. Millais captures not just a scene from a play but a universal expression of loss that transcends time, continually resurfacing in our art and psyche.