Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by A. Weger. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 19th‑century print depicts the composer Frédéric Chopin in profile.
About this work
Overview
This 19th‑century print depicts the composer Frédéric Chopin in profile. Produced in London by the publisher Augner & Co., it was created from an original portrait by the artist A. Weger and circulated as a popular image of the musician during his lifetime.
Subject & Meaning
The work presents Chopin’s face in a straightforward, frontal profile, emphasizing his recognizable features for a broad audience. As a widely distributed likeness, it served to familiarize the public with the composer’s appearance, reinforcing his cultural presence beyond concert halls.
Technique & Style
A. Weger translated the original portrait into a printable matrix, likely using engraving or lithographic methods common in the period. The resulting image is rendered in monochrome tones, with clear line work that captures the sitter’s delicate facial structure while maintaining the reproducibility required for mass printing.
History & Provenance
Issued by Augner & Co. in London, the print entered the private holdings of the Harry Beard Collection, as indicated by a small stamp on the paper. This mark suggests the piece was once part of a personal album or compilation of prints, reflecting its circulation among collectors in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Context
During the Victorian era, printed portraits of notable figures were a common means of disseminating their images to a growing middle‑class audience. Chopin’s fame as a pianist and composer made his likeness a desirable subject for such reproductions, aligning with contemporary trends in portraiture and commercial publishing.
Artist & collection
Artist
August Weger (28 July 1823 – 27 May 1892) was a German graphic artist, steel engraver and printer.
