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Jessica (from William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Act II, sc.v)
- Original dimensions
- 89 x 119.5 cm
- Museum
- Petworth House
- Year
- 1830
Scene depicted
In this canvas , Turner illustrates the character of Jessica just before her escape with Lorenzo. The work evokes the struggle between the desire for freedom and social obligation, reinforcing the dramatic sense of this key scene from Shakespeare's famous drama. The atmosphere of tension and romanticism permeates every fiber of this painting, inviting the viewer to share this moment of intensity.
Historical context
This painting was created in 1830, in the heart of Rome, a city in artistic and cultural effervescence. Turner, master of romanticism , captured the very essence of the chosen moment in Shakespeare's work. Currently exhibited at the Petworth House museum, this canvas of impressive dimensions of 89 x 119.5 cm evokes the emotional depth of a moment of drama and poetry.
Place in the artist's career
This painting represents a pivotal moment in Turner's career, then in full artistic maturity. By putting into perspective works like "The Fighting Temeraire" and "Rain, Steam and Speed", one perceives an evolution towards a bold use of light and color, testifying to the rise of the iconic romantic style that he mastered.
Anecdote
Turner, inspired by a sweet Roman morning, said: “Every color is an emotion, every gesture a melody.” Strolling along the alleys, he may have crossed the gaze of a beautiful young girl, emissary of an eternal tale. Thus, the painting of Jessica is charged with an evocative force, transcribed with passion on his canvas .