Shylock's House–Shylock, Jessica and Launcelot (Shakespeare, Merchant of Venice, Act 2, Scene 5) 1795 - 1852

Peter Simon created this engraving titled 'Shylock's House' in the late 18th or early 19th century. It depicts a scene from Shakespeare’s play, "The Merchant of Venice," Act 2, Scene 5. During this time, the representation of Jewish characters in art and literature was often fraught with antisemitic stereotypes, reflecting broader societal prejudices. Shakespeare’s play, while celebrated for its dramatic elements, is also controversial due to its portrayal of Shylock, the Jewish moneylender. Here, we see Shylock, his daughter Jessica, and their servant Launcelot. Jessica stands at the forefront, seemingly caught between her loyalty to her father and her desire for freedom and love with Lorenzo, a Christian. Launcelot lurks in the background. Simon’s print invites us to consider the complex intersections of identity, religion, and social status within the narrative, and in the broader context of European history. How does the artist represent the tensions between these characters and their conflicting desires? Perhaps we can see the artist’s representation as either challenging or perpetuating these harmful stereotypes, prompting reflection on the historical and cultural forces that shape our interpretations.