Taylor Swift's latest music video, 'The Fate of Ophelia', has sparked a frenzy of excitement among fans, who have been flocking to the Museum Wiesbaden in Germany to witness the painting that inspired the iconic opening scene. The painting, by Friedrich Heyser, depicts a tragic Ophelia, and its resemblance to the video's scene has not gone unnoticed by Swift's dedicated followers.
The museum, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary, has been overwhelmed by the sudden surge in visitors, with many young women and girls posing for photos before the painting. The museum's spokesperson, Susanne Hirschmann, expressed her surprise and delight at the attention, stating that the museum has been experiencing an 'Ophelia run'.
The connection between the painting and the music video was initially made by a Swift fan who noticed the similarity and shared it on social media. Since then, the museum has been inundated with visitors eager to see the painting for themselves. Hirschmann estimates that 500 people visited the museum last weekend specifically to see Heyser's Ophelia, a significant increase from the usual interest in the painting.
The museum's management was initially concerned about the potential disruption caused by the influx of Swift fans, but Hirschmann praised their respectful approach. She believes that the global star's influence has brought a new dimension to the appreciation of art, as everyone is now talking about the painting and its connection to Swift's work.
This is not the first time Taylor Swift has drawn inspiration from Shakespeare. Her 2008 hit 'Love Story' was inspired by Romeo and Juliet. However, the reason behind her choice of Heyser's Ophelia remains a mystery. While some initially thought she might have been inspired by John Everett Millais' 'Ophelia' at London's Tate museum, the color of the dress and the angle of the pose in Heyser's painting pointed to a different muse.
The museum staff is now speculating whether Swift herself visited the museum during her Eras tour in Germany in July 2024, without their knowledge. Hirschmann finds the idea intriguing, but she acknowledges that they would have noticed if the superstar had come incognito. To capitalize on the unexpected opportunity, the museum has organized an Ophelia reception on November 2, including a guided tour and an explanation of the painting's history and its connection to Shakespeare's character and Swift's song.
The museum's brush with Swift-mania has brought a unique experience to its visitors, blending the worlds of art and pop culture. As the museum celebrates its 200th anniversary, it embraces the unexpected attention and the opportunity to share the story of Heyser's Ophelia with a wider audience.
