Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by Hans Ammon in 1650.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection is a print by Hans Ammon. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This print is by Hans Ammon, made in the 1600s. It shows a self-portrait where he plays a character named Peter Leberwurst. The work is an allegory, a story told through symbols.

Ammon worked in the 17th century, a time when artists often used prints to share ideas widely. Self-portraits like this were ways to show skill and personality together.

Look up the chiaroscuro technique next.

Overview

The work is a 17th‑century print by Hans Ammon, catalogued in the Harry Beard Collection. It presents a self‑portrait in which the artist adopts the guise of a figure named Peter Leberwurst, employing the medium of print to convey an allegorical narrative.

Subject & Meaning

In the image Ammon depicts himself as Peter Leberwurst, a character that functions as a symbolic stand‑in. The portrayal operates as an allegory, using the invented persona to comment on the artist’s identity, craft, or broader moral themes, a common practice in self‑portraiture of the period.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, the piece reflects the 1600s emphasis on reproducible imagery. While specific methods are not detailed, the work aligns with contemporary printmaking practices that favored clear line work and compositional balance to convey narrative content across multiple copies.

History & Provenance

The print entered the Harry Beard Collection, a private assemblage known for gathering works on paper. Its attribution to Hans Ammon and its dating to the 17th century are supported by the collection’s documentation, though earlier ownership records remain undocumented.

Context

During the 17th century, prints served as a primary vehicle for disseminating artistic ideas and personal branding. Artists frequently employed self‑portraiture to demonstrate technical proficiency and to embed personal or allegorical statements within a widely circulable format.