British School (19th Century) Portia in the garden (from The Merchant of Venice) Oil on canvas 30-1/4 x 50-1/4 inches (76.8 x 127.6 cm) PROVENANCE: International Auction Gallery, Anaheim, California, June 3, 2013, lot 288; McNally`s Auctions, Rancho Santa Fe, California, November 16, 2014, lot 11; Private collection, acquired from the above. The present work depicts a scene from William Shakespeare`s comedy, The Merchant of Venice, in which a suitor undergoes the perilous test for Portia`s hand. As stipulated in her late father`s will, suitors are presented with three chests, each of either gold, silver, or lead, shown at the right in the present work, uncovered with a flourish by a page boy. The suitor must select from the group the chest that contains Portia`s portrait. An incorrect guess results in not only the loss of Portia, but also an oath sworn never to marry another. Property from a Private North Texas Collection HID03101062020品相报告: Wax lined canvas. Minor frame abrasion at edges. Yellowing to the varnish layer. Finely patterned craquelure throughout, stabilized beneath the varnish layer. Mild surface dirt and dust. An approximately 1-inch vertical scratch near the center at upper edge. Not examined out of frame due to size.Under UV: heavily applied varnish fluoresces green unevenly, and has been selectively cleaned in some areas. Scattered instances of brushy retouching near edges and in the background. Some additional scattered, more finely applied retouching to the outlines and shadows of the figures.Framed Dimensions 42 X 61.5 X 4 Inches Heritage Auctions strongly encourages in-person inspection of items by the bidder. Statements by Heritage regarding the condition of objects are for guidance only And should Not be relied upon as statements of fact, And do Not constitute a representation, warranty, Or assumption of liability by Heritage. All lots offered are sold "As Is"