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Desdemona by Frederic Leighton

Desdemona is a fictional character in the play Othello by William Shakespeare. She is Othello's wife, and the daughter of Senator Brabantio. In the play, Iago successfully persuades Othello that Desdemona is unfaithful and uses this belief to destroy their lives, eventually leading Othello to murder her.

Desdemona lives with her father in Venice before secretly marrying Othello. She stands up to her father before the Duke and Council, proclaiming her love for Othello and her father reluctantly accepts the union. Desdemona also requests that she travel to Cyprus with her new husband. Othello encourages the Duke to agree and requests that Iago's wife, Emilia attend on her.

After Cassio is disgraced, Iago advises that he should confess himself to Desdemona and importune her to put him in his place again. Cassio thanks him for the advice and seeks Desdemona's help. Meanwhile, Iago persuades Othello that Desdemona is having an affair with Cassio, and Othello becomes jealous and paranoid. Acting on Iago's request, Emilia steals a handkerchief from Desdemona, which had been a gift from Othello.

"Othello and Desdemona in Venice" by Théodore Chassériau (1819–1856)

Desdemona is concerned over the loss of the handkerchief but maintains that it would not cause her husband to grow angry. Emilia is more cynical, especially after Othello violently asks to see the handkerchief. Desdemona is confused over her husband's unexplained behaviour, culminating in his striking of her in public and accusing her of being a whore.

Desdemona is deeply upset by her husband's attacks but continues to assert her love. In the final act, Othello challenges her and tells her that he is going to kill her. Despite Desdemona's claims of innocence, Othello refuses to believe her and when he tells her that Cassio has been killed (as was his belief), Desdemona cries. Othello sees this and becomes enraged. Desdemona continues to plead for mercy and Othello suffocates her.

Desdemona revives momentarily to defend Othello before Emilia, then dies.

The Death of Desdemona by Eugène Ferdinand Victor Delacroix.