Jessica 1867

Thomas Francis Dicksee painted "Jessica," using oil on canvas, a typical medium for portraiture in the 19th century. This work reflects the Victorian era's fascination with literature and historical themes, as Jessica is a character from Shakespeare's play "The Merchant of Venice." Dicksee’s portrayal invites us to consider the complex intersection of identity, religion, and gender within the context of the play. Jessica, a Jewish woman, defies her father Shylock by eloping with a Christian man, Lorenzo, and converting to Christianity. The keys she holds might be seen as symbols of her transition, offering her access to a new life, but also representing what she has left behind. The romanticized depiction softens the tension inherent in Jessica's choices, yet it speaks to the societal pressures and personal desires that women navigated, often at great personal cost. What do you feel when considering Jessica's dilemma?