Where is ophelia painting

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: The painting 'Ophelia' by Sir John Everett Millais is currently housed at Tate Britain in London, where it has been on permanent display since 1898. It was painted between 1851 and 1852 and is celebrated for its detailed naturalism and Pre-Raphaelite style.

Key Facts

The painting 'Ophelia' was created between 1851 and 1852 by Sir John Everett Millais.
It is currently located at Tate Britain in London, accessioned in 1898.
The artwork measures 76 cm × 112 cm (30 in × 44 in).
It depicts a scene from Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet,' Act IV, Scene VII.
The painting was voted the UK’s favorite work of art in a 2005 BBC Radio 4 poll.

Overview

The painting 'Ophelia' by Sir John Everett Millais is one of the most iconic works of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, renowned for its vivid detail and emotional depth. Painted between 1851 and 1852, it captures a tragic moment from William Shakespeare’s 'Hamlet,' where the character Ophelia drowns in a river after descending into madness.

Today, the artwork is permanently displayed at Tate Britain in London, where it has resided since 1898, when it was bequeathed to the nation by Sir Henry Tate. Its location is clearly marked in the gallery’s Victorian collection, drawing thousands of visitors annually.

Creation period: The painting was executed in two phases—background in 1851 on the Hogsmill River in Surrey, and the figure completed in Millais’s studio in London.
Dimensions: The canvas measures 76 cm × 112 cm (30 in × 44 in), a standard size for narrative paintings of the era.
Subject origin: The scene is based on Queen Gertrude’s description in 'Hamlet,' Act IV, Scene VII, making it a literary depiction rather than a direct stage moment.
Botanical accuracy: Millais painted over 30 identifiable plant species in the riverbank, reflecting the Pre-Raphaelite commitment to scientific precision in nature.
Public recognition: In 2005, 'Ophelia' was voted the UK’s favorite artwork in a BBC Radio 4 poll, surpassing works by Turner and Hockney.

How It Works

Understanding the artistic and historical context of 'Ophelia' reveals how its composition, symbolism, and technique contributed to its enduring fame. Each element—from color choice to botanical detail—was meticulously planned to evoke emotion and realism.

Naturalism: Millais painted the riverbank en plein air to achieve botanical accuracy, identifying species like forget-me-nots, which symbolize remembrance and death.
Model challenges: Elizabeth Siddal, the model, posed in a bathtub filled with water; she caught a severe cold when the lamps heating the water failed, leading to medical bills.
Color symbolism: The vibrant green of Ophelia’s dress contrasts with the dark water, emphasizing life amid death, a hallmark of Pre-Raphaelite duality.
Brushwork: Millais used fine sable brushes to render individual leaves and ripples, spending up to 11 hours a day on minute details.
Emotional tone: The serene expression on Ophelia’s face, juxtaposed with the surrounding decay, reflects Victorian fascination with tragic femininity.
Inspiration source: The composition was influenced by John Keats’s poem 'La Belle Dame sans Merci,' blending literary melancholy with visual storytelling.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of 'Ophelia' with other notable Pre-Raphaelite works in terms of location, size, and public accessibility.

Painting	Artist	Year	Location	Dimensions (cm)
Ophelia	John Everett Millais	1851–1852	Tate Britain, London	76 × 112
Christ in the House of His Parents	Dante Gabriel Rossetti	1849–1850	Tate Britain, London	86 × 139
Beata Beatrix	Dante Gabriel Rossetti	1864–1870	National Gallery of Scotland	86 × 66
Autumn Leaves	John Everett Millais	1856	Manchester Art Gallery	77 × 105
The Awakening Conscience	William Holman Hunt	1854	Tate Britain, London	72 × 95

The table shows that 'Ophelia' is among the most accessible and widely viewed of Pre-Raphaelite works, given its central placement at Tate Britain. Unlike some works held in private collections or regional galleries, it benefits from high foot traffic and consistent exhibition, contributing to its iconic status.

Why It Matters

'Ophelia' transcends its Victorian origins to influence modern art, film, and feminist discourse. Its depiction of female fragility and beauty continues to resonate in contemporary culture.

Artistic legacy: The painting inspired later artists like Salvador Dalí and influenced the visual language of surrealism and symbolism.
Film references: Directors such as Kenneth Branagh and Mike Bartlett have recreated the scene in adaptations of 'Hamlet' and TV dramas.
Feminist critique: Modern scholars analyze Ophelia’s portrayal as a commentary on the silencing of women in patriarchal narratives.
Educational use: It is a standard case study in art history courses, particularly in discussions of 19th-century realism and symbolism.
Tourism impact: Tate Britain reports that 'Ophelia' draws over 1.2 million viewers annually, boosting cultural tourism in London.
Merchandising: Reproductions appear on mugs, tote bags, and apparel, generating revenue for the museum and spreading cultural awareness.

As both an artistic masterpiece and a cultural touchstone, 'Ophelia' remains a vital part of Britain’s national heritage and a global symbol of tragic beauty.