Paul Delaroche: La Jeune Martyre (The Young Martyr) Delaroche was a French painter and sculptor. He became famous for his depictions of historical scenes. The first painting that brought him to fame was his rendition of The Death of Queen Elizabeth. The Young Martyr was completed in 1855, the year before his death. The paintingis a depiction of the death of a young female Christian Martyr in the 3rd Century A.D during the reign of the Roman Emperor Dioletian. This painting is sometimes referred to as the Christian Ophelia because of its resemblance to Shakespeare’s character Ophelia in Hamlet. The similarities lie in the assumption that both characters drowned. One difference is that Ophelia took her own life while The Young Martyr had her life taken from her.The painting, although undoubtedly beautiful is also disturbing. It is disturbing not only for its subject matter, but because there is something so life-like about the girl despite the obvious fact that she is dead. When looking at the painting, it feels as if she has only just died. The feeling evoked is so strong; one almost feels that if only one could have been present a few seconds previously one might have been able to prevent her death.

Paul Delaroche: La Jeune Martyre (The Young Martyr)

Delaroche was a French painter and sculptor. He became famous for his depictions of historical scenes. The first painting that brought him to fame was his rendition of The Death of Queen Elizabeth.

The Young Martyr was completed in 1855, the year before his death. The paintingis a depiction of the death of a young female Christian Martyr in the 3rd Century A.D during the reign of the Roman Emperor Dioletian.

This painting is sometimes referred to as the Christian Ophelia because of its resemblance to Shakespeare’s character Ophelia in Hamlet. The similarities lie in the assumption that both characters drowned. One difference is that Ophelia took her own life while The Young Martyr had her life taken from her.

The painting, although undoubtedly beautiful is also disturbing. It is disturbing not only for its subject matter, but because there is something so life-like about the girl despite the obvious fact that she is dead.

When looking at the painting, it feels as if she has only just died. The feeling evoked is so strong; one almost feels that if only one could have been present a few seconds previously one might have been able to prevent her death.

  • January 18
  • , 2012
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