Henry Irving (Shylock) before 1890

This anonymous print depicts the celebrated actor Henry Irving in the role of Shylock, from Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. Irving's performance was notable for its complex and human portrayal of a character often presented as a cruel caricature. Made in England during the late 19th century, this image reflects a time when theater was a central part of cultural life and actors were seen as public figures who shaped national identity. The print also reminds us that stage productions frequently took on the controversial issues of the day. Shakespeare’s play has always been a lightning rod for debates about antisemitism, and the image, as well as Irving’s performance, would have been part of this discussion. To understand the impact of Irving’s Shylock, scholars often turn to playbills, reviews, and personal accounts. The interpretation of art is never neutral, and we need to see it as something made within social and institutional contexts.