David Garrick as Jaffier and Mrs. Cibber as Belvidera in “Venice Preserv’d”

Venice Preserv’d is an English Restoration play written by Thomas Otway, and the most significant tragedy of the English stage in the 1680s. It was first staged in 1682, with Thomas Betterton as Jaffeir and Elizabeth Barry as Belvidera. The play was soon printed and enjoyed many revivals through to the 1830s.

The scene depicted shows Jaffier threatening to kill Belvidera.

After joining a coup against the senate of Italy, Belvidera was held as collateral and nearly raped. In defiance they attempt to overthrow the coup by alerting the senate but now Jaffier faces a hanging for his involvement. In desperation he threatens to kill Belvidera unless she can acquire a pardon, which she does, too late to stop Jaffier from exacting his revenge at the gallows before killing himself in atonement.

Provenance: Recieved from the Acceptance in lieu of inheritance tax by H.M.Government, Arts Council England, 2014.1.2/B.M

Object description
Type: Easel painting
Location: Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle, County Durham
Material: Oil on canvas
Artist: Johan Zoffany (1733-1810)
Date: 1762

Image Details
Date: 12 May 2024
Camera body: iPhone Xs
Lens: Wide Camera 26mm ƒ/1.8
Focal Length: 26mm
Aperture: ƒ/1.8
Shutter Speed: 1/25s
ISO: 400
Licensing: Image of a Bowes Museum asset. This image cannot be licensed.