Judaica / Zionism - England, Antisemitic Medal “The Jew Which Shakespeare Drew”, Late 18th Century

Judaica / Zionism - England, Antisemitic Medal “The Jew Which Shakespeare Drew”, Late 18th Century A rare and openly antisemitic British medal inspired by the character of Shylock from William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice”, portraying the stereotypical “greedy Jew” image that dominated European culture of the period. Obverse: Profile of a caricatured man with exaggerated facial features — pointed ears, hooked nose, and a sinister expression – surrounded by the inscription: “THIS IS THE JEW WHICH SHAKESPEARE DREW.” Around the edge: “AVARICE AND TITLED LUST ALONE WE BLAME. UPON THE JEW THE NATION POURS ITS SHAME.” reflecting widespread antisemitic sentiment. Reverse: Within an oak wreath, the legend reads: “WHAT D’YE WANT? OP OB & DPO, ” a satirical political message referencing theatre audiences and critics, again using Jewish imagery to represent greed and corruption. This piece serves as a striking example of antisemitic satire in 18th-century Britain, where Shakespeare’s Shylock became a visual shorthand for negative Jewish stereotypes. Material: Silver or silvered metal Weight: 23.871 g Diameter: 40 mm