Ophelia among the Flowers

This pastel is one of several compositions by Redon of this subject from Shakespeare's 'Hamlet' which date from this period. The flowers seem to be of no identifiable species, resembling lilac and strawberries, and with blue leaves interspersed with the green. The garlanded head of Ophelia is turned towards the flowers as though in contemplation of their beauty.

The tropical still lifes of Gauguin, such as 'A Vase of Flowers', may have influenced Redon in the design of this work.