Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by Blood. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 19th-century print depicts a theatrical performance, specifically Mr.
About this work
Overview
This 19th-century print depicts a theatrical performance, specifically Mr. Kean portraying Richard III at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, in London.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a moment from a Shakespearean play, highlighting the actor's interpretation of the infamous villain Richard III, and offering insight into 19th-century stage costumes and performances.
Technique & Style
As a print, the work was mass-producible, indicating its purpose for widespread dissemination. The style reflects early 19th-century printmaking techniques, though specific artistic choices (e.g., line work, shading) are not detailed here.
History & Provenance
Created between the late 1700s and early 1800s, the print's exact date and artist are not specified. It is part of the H Beard Print Collection.
Context
The Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, was (and remains) a prominent London venue. The print connects to the broader context of Shakespearean theatre's popularity during this period.
Legacy
Now part of a collection, this print serves as a historical record of theatrical practices and costume design of its time, potentially housed or referenced by institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Artist & collection
Artist
Blood is a body fluid in the circulatory system of humans and other vertebrates that delivers necessary substances such as nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body, and transports metabolic waste products away from those same cells.
