ARTIST
Franz Haller

TITLE
‘The Merchant of Venice’

DATE
Attributed to the 19th century

MEDIUM
Oil on canvas

DIMENSIONS (approx.)
Width 47 in. x Height 35 in. (119 cm x 89 cm.)

CREDIT LINE
Vlasta Kadeic

CURRENT LOCATION
Czech Center Museum Houston
4920 San Jacinto St.
Houston, TX 77004

Entrance Hall

ACCESSION NUMBER
PU82

CLASSIFICATION
Painting

PROVENANCE
Austria

‘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.