Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Boosey & Co. It dates from 1823 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1823 print depicts a full-length portrait of Mr.
About this work
This print shows a man in costume from a play.
Boosey & Co made it in 1823.
It’s part of the Romanticism movement.
The image includes a printed song lyric in Italian.
The words mention a purse and French things needing mercy.
That’s a fun peek at how plays mixed music and drama back then.
Look up Boosey & Co next.
Overview
This 1823 print depicts a full-length portrait of Mr. De Begnis in the role of Don Isidoro Pallottola from the play 'Matilde e Corradino'. The image is accompanied by a printed passage in Italian from the play.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Mr. De Begnis, is portrayed in character as Don Isidoro Pallottola. The accompanying text, referencing a purse ('la mia borsa') and 'French things' ('la mia francia') in need of mercy, hints at the thematic elements of the play, possibly highlighting themes of fortune or cultural nuance.
Technique & Style
Created by Boosey & Co in 1823, the print reflects the aesthetics of the Romanticism movement, characterized by expressive and often dramatic representations of subjects, in this case, a theatrical figure.
History & Provenance
Published in 1823 by Boosey & Co, the print is part of the H Beard Print Collection. Specific details about its creation process or the printer's approach to capturing theatrical subjects are not provided.
Context
The inclusion of a song lyric from the play alongside the portrait illustrates the integration of music and drama in early 19th-century theatrical productions, a common practice during the Romantic era.
Artist & collection
Artist
They made prints you can still find tucked into old books—cheap but lively enough to make a parlor laugh.
