Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by Sebastien Coeure in 1850.

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 Sebastien Coeure. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This early‑19th‑century print portrays Angelo Costanitini in the role of Mezzetino, a stock figure from the Italian Commedia dell’Arte tradition. Produced by the French engraver Sébastien Coeure, the image is part of the commercially issued series titled Galerie Théâtrale, which offered miniature theatrical portraits to a broad audience.

Subject & Meaning

Mezzetino, known for his light‑hearted, mischievous demeanor, is rendered here through Costanitini’s costume and pose, emphasizing the character’s playful energy. The work captures a specific performance identity, reflecting the period’s fascination with theatrical personae as cultural icons.

Technique & Style

Coeure employed line engraving on paper, a common method for reproducing theatrical likenesses in the era. The composition balances detailed costume rendering with a relatively flat background, focusing attention on the actor’s expression and attire rather than narrative setting.

History & Provenance

Issued as one plate within the Galerie Théâtrale series, the print was marketed to admirers of the stage and collected as a souvenir of popular performances. Its attribution to Coeure and its inclusion in the series have been documented in early 19th‑century catalogues of theatrical prints.

Context

The early 1800s saw a surge in printed memorabilia tied to the burgeoning public theatre scene across Europe. Portrait series like Galerie Théâtrale catered to a growing audience eager to own visual records of favored actors and their signature roles.

Artist & collection

Artist

Sebastien Coeure

Sebastien Coeure’s prints look like the inside of someone’s pocket diary—tiny, slightly smudged, full of faces you’d recognize if you squinted at a crowd.