3-008-337 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Royal Academy Prize-painting, Trial Scene in "The Merchant of Venice", by A. B. Donaldson, 1862. Engraving of a painting. 'The medal for historical painting has been awarded to Mr. Andrew Brown Donaldson...The exact point which the artist appears to have selected is where Bassanio, having tendered for Antonio "twice the sum", the amount of the bond (this is indicated by the money-bags on the floor), which the Jew inexorably refuses, Portia proceeds to give judgment...The eager, malignant look of Shylock as he grasps the knife and brandishes the scales would show that he is yet in the full tide of exultation at his triumph. The uplifted finger of Portia, however, prepares us for the admonition which is immediately to follow, to his intense mortification, wherein she advises him to have some surgeon by, to "stop his wounds, lest he do bleed to death". The picture indicates the possession of a very satisfactory perception of the nature of the situation, and of the passions moving the various actors. A little more vigour in the attitudes would certainly be desirable; and there is a crowding in the composition which is not an uncommon error in young beginners'. From "Illustrated London News", 1862.