Hamlet 

John Austen created this illustration for Shakespeare’s ‘Hamlet’, capturing the somber mood of Act Five, Scene One. Austen, who lived through both World Wars, belonged to a generation that witnessed immense social change and upheaval. The image uses stark contrasts and the swirling Art Deco style to depict the complexities of life and death. We see Hamlet's prone body above the words ‘Act Five Scene One’, his hair cascades down emphasizing his vulnerability. Positioned near Hamlet, the melting candle conveys fragility and the ephemeral nature of existence. Above Hamlet, a mysterious face peers down, reminiscent of a theatrical mask, watching the scene unfold with an air of detachment, perhaps mocking Hamlet’s inability to act. Austen's illustration reflects his own concerns with identity and the human condition. In the context of Shakespeare, we are reminded that sometimes the weight of existence and revenge is enough to still the greatest of men.