Henry Woods and Portia

'Portia' (1887) by Henry Woods; Laing Art Gallery, Newcastle

Henry Woods, born on 22 April 1846, was an English painter who was one of the leaders of the Neo-Venetian School, together with Samuel Luke Fildes. Fildes was married to Fanny Woods, sister of Henry Woods and also an artist. Henry Woods and Fildes both painted Venetian themes, scenes of cheerful groups of girls at canal sides, etc.. Today's painting is a portrait of Portia, the main character of Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice'. Much of the action in the play revolves around letters. Woods lived in Venice from 1876 and the background view in this painting shows Venice. For anyone who lives near Newcastle and is interested, there is an exhibition 'Shakespeare in Art' until the 29th of this month and this painting is on display as well. I like this painting because it reminds me a bit of the Pre-Raphaelites. I feel like reading Shakespeare now!