Projet d'illustration pour Macbeth-9 

Luc-Olivier Merson sketched this illustration for Macbeth, capturing a solitary figure engrossed in reading within a gothic archway. The motif of reading here transcends mere literacy, it symbolizes introspection and the acquisition of knowledge—or perhaps, dangerous ambition. Consider how this archetype echoes across time: from medieval monks illuminating manuscripts to Faust, consumed by forbidden texts. It is a recurring image deeply embedded in our collective consciousness. Note the archway, framing the reader, it resembles a portal, possibly hinting at the crossing of boundaries. Is this Lady Macbeth pouring over prophecies? The act of reading, especially in such stark isolation, becomes imbued with a sense of foreboding. This image serves not just as an illustration but as an encapsulation of the psychological tension that permeates Shakespeare’s play. The act of reading catalyses events and is linked to the undoing of Macbeth. This sketch powerfully engages viewers on a subconscious level, inviting us to contemplate the cyclical nature of ambition and the consequences of delving too deeply into the darker aspects of the human psyche.