Ophelia (Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 4, Scene 5) 1784

Caroline Watson made this stipple engraving of "Ophelia" after a painting by Robert Edge Pine in England. The print depicts the scene from Hamlet where Ophelia descends into madness. During the 18th century, Shakespearean characters became popular subjects for artists, reflecting a growing interest in English literature and theater. Reproductive prints like this one, circulated images to a wider audience, outside of the traditional exhibition spaces. They were often purchased for personal enjoyment, thus, these images gained new social and cultural significance. It is important to consider that the rise of reproductive prints coincided with a changing art market, and the professionalization of female artists such as Watson. Researching subscription lists and other archival material can give us an understanding of the cultural and economic contexts in which artists like Watson operated and how female artists navigated the art world.