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"Is It So Nominated in the Bond?"
patented 1860
John Rogers
Born: Salem, Massachusetts 1829
Died: New Canaan, Connecticut 1904
painted plaster
23 x 20 3/4 x 12 1/4 in. (58.3 x 52.6 x 31.0 cm)
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Gift of John Rogers and Son
1882.1.3
Smithsonian American Art Museum
3rd Floor,
Luce Foundation Center
Description
“Is It So Nominated in the Bond?” is from Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice, and was one of John Rogers’s most popular works. In the scene, Antonio has been called to trial against the moneylender Shylock, who is demanding a pound of flesh for nonpayment of a loan. Antonio’s friend Portia is dressed as a judge trying to bargain with Shylock. Upon the suggestion that a surgeon be present when the flesh is extracted, Shylock challenges, “Is it so nominated in the bond?” to which Portia replies, “It is not so express’d; but what of that? ‘Twere good you do so much for charity.”
About John Rogers
Born: Salem, Massachusetts 1829 Died: New Canaan, Connecticut 1904