Macbeth 

Théodore Chassériau created "Macbeth," an oil painting inspired by Shakespeare’s play during a time of significant artistic and political change in France. In this painting, we see Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in a scene that suggests opulence and underlying tension. Lady Macbeth reclines regally, while Macbeth looks troubled, foreshadowing the dark events to come. Chassériau captures the complexity of their relationship, hinting at the gender dynamics at play. Lady Macbeth is not merely a supporting character, but a driving force in the narrative. The use of classical motifs, like the architecture and clothing, contrasts with the psychological depth of the characters. This reflects the 19th-century interest in exploring individual emotions against the backdrop of historical and societal expectations. Through his rendering of the Macbeths, Chassériau invites us to contemplate the human condition, the seduction of power, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The painting reminds us that history, much like art, is always open to interpretation and re-evaluation.