Projet de frontispice pour Macbeth

Luc-Olivier Merson rendered this frontispiece project for Macbeth with graphite, capturing a scene imbued with foreboding. Here, we see Macbeth on horseback, cloaked and possibly fleeing, with the word 'Tragedie' looming above. Consider the horse: throughout history, it has been a symbol of power, nobility, and also, unbridled passion. Yet, here, the horse appears frantic, almost mirroring Macbeth’s own tormented state. This symbol echoes in antiquity with the horses of the Apocalypse, or even the classical depictions of frenzied steeds pulling the chariots of the gods, indicating chaos and divine wrath. The motif of a leader or warrior on horseback has been a recurring theme through the ages. In ancient Roman equestrian statues, such figures signified triumph and authority. However, in Merson's sketch, the dynamic is inverted. The collective memory of heroic riders is subverted, reflecting Macbeth’s descent from noble warrior to a figure consumed by guilt and paranoia. The image, therefore, is emotionally charged, engaging viewers on a subconscious level, evoking both fear and pity. The horse, once a symbol of power, now becomes a mirror of Macbeth’s own tragic fate, surfacing in art in cyclical progression.