‘The Merchant of Venice’

This painting of a scene from William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice graces the foyer of the Czech Center Museum Houston. It is attributed to an Austrian artist named Franz Haller and to the 19th century. This painting suggests a romantic realism style thanks to its vivid colors, controlled yet graceful shapes, and its literary theme.

According to the donor, this piece was hidden in a carpet throughout the Nazi occupation. They looted many paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts during World War II in their attempt to dominate European culture. Many works of art are still missing to this day.