#26 – Ophelia of the Bathtub

Highgate Cemetery is one of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries. It is located in the London Borough of Camden, and was originally consecrated in 1839. One of its more famous residents is Elizabeth Siddal, artist, artist’s model and poet. In 1851, Siddal modelled for John Everett Millais’  famous painting, Ophelia, laying in a freezing bathtub to emulate the drowning of Shakespeare’s ill-fated heroine. 

Ophelia of the Bathtub

I want you to imagine how if felt

to hold that blighted posy in your hand.

You found the swollen river, and you knelt

Then – breathing deep – abandoned life on land. 

The creeping cold might chill unwitting flesh

and turn your pretty blush to icy white

but Art is worth the sacrifice and fresh

aesthetic flair’s emboldened by the sight

of veils afloat. The dainty wedding lace,

all soaking wet and rippled on the skin;

the deluged comprehension in the face.

The hope of final rescue, wearing thin. 

Now lay, palms raised, and lips a shade apart,

and think about the maiden’s broken heart. 

LM 

Listen to the poem 

Ophelia by John Everett Millais