2-982-294 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Scene from "The Merchant of Venice", at the Princess' Theatre: the Elopement of Jessica, 1858. London stage production. 'The second act...forms the main feature of the new revival at the above theatre. It was an instance of remarkable judgment in Mr. C. Kean when he resolved on reducing this same second act of that enchanting drama to one scene...The water, the bridges, the buildings, the house of Shylock at the corner of the principal bridge, the passing to and fro of the gondolas, the gradual change of the whole picture from day to evening and night, the illuminated revels and the masquing groups compose one of the most effective stage set-scenes ever projected by enterprising manager or pictorial machinist...The incident of Jessica's elopement with Lorenzo gains especially in this way by force of the dioramic arrangement...We see the lover standing on the bridge; the gondola below awaiting the issue of the adventure; the fair Jewess opening the lattice, and reaching down the casket of jewels; her descent to the door; her flight from her father's house, borne away in her Lorenzo's arms; her safe deposit, surrounded by her gallant's friends, in the gondola, and the exit of the whole party by that pleasant mode of conveyance'. From "Illustrated London News", 1858.