Is It So Nominated in the Bond?”

Media - 1882.1.3 - SAAM-1882.1.3_1 - 56963
Copied John Rogers, "Is It So Nominated in the Bond?", patented 1860, painted plaster, 2320 3412 14 in. (58.352.631.0 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Rogers and Son, 1882.1.3
Free to use

Artwork Details

Title
Is It So Nominated in the Bond?”
Artist
Date
patented 1860
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2320 3412 14 in. (58.352.631.0 cm)
Credit Line
Gift of John Rogers and Son
Mediums
Mediums Description
painted plaster
Classifications
Keywords
  • Figure group
  • Performing arts — theater
  • Literature — Shakespeare — Merchant of Venice
Object Number
1882.1.3

Artwork 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.”