Henry Perronet Briggs

Romeo and Juliet - Act II Scene 5 (‘Juliet and her Nurse’)

exhibited 1827

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Not on display

Artist: Henry Perronet Briggs ?1791–1844
Medium: Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions: Support: 889 x 698 mm
Collection: Tate
Acquisition: Presented by Robert Vernon 1847
Reference: N00376

Display caption

Briggs was one of a small group of British artists in the first half of the nineteenth century who consistently found success as history painters. This painting illustrates part of Act II Scene IV from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The lovers have previously agreed upon a secret marriage. Here the Nurse tells the overjoyed Juliet that she is to be married that night and then comments on her blushes ('Now comes the wanton blood up in your cheeks'). Juliet and her Nurse was a popular subject with British artists including JMW Turner.

Gallery label, September 2004

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