Photograph of a tableau originally performed at 21 Cromwell Road and arranged by James Sant RA (1820-1916). Two actors play the roles of Shylock and his daughter, Jessica in Act 2 Scene 5 of Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice. In the background a trompe l'oeil backdrop depicts the interior of a large, stone house with a doorway on the right and a window opening with shutters on the left. Shylock, played by Mr Safe, addresses his daughter Jessica who is played by Miss Tennant with the words "I am bid forth to supper, there are my keys." He wears a long gown and frock coat trimmed with gilt studs and a pointed hat. Jessica is wearing an opulent gown made from silk and velvet and decorated with lace, jewels and beading. She has long, wavy hair worn in two plaits on either side of her face and a pale coloured headdress, adorned with coins. 

The play is set in sixteenth-century Venice and was written between 1596 and 1598. It tells the story of a merchant who is forced to default on a large loan provided by an abused Jewish moneylender. The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh acted as Royal patrons to the performances and with Princess Louise, viewed the performances at 21 Cromwell Street, home to the architect, Charles Freake (1814-84). The proceeds raised by the performances were donated to the National Orphan Home and the Victoria Hospital for Sick Children.