Artwork
H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Benjamin Cole. It dates from 1753 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print shows a lively scene from a funny old play called *Jobson and Nell*. Benjamin Cole carved the image in 1753, so it’s over 270 years old.
It illustrates a moment from a magazine story meant to make readers laugh. Romanticism isn’t about romance here—it’s about everyday humor and drama.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more prints like it.
Overview
This 1753 print, engraved by Benjamin Cole, captures a lively scene from the comedic play *Jobson and Nell*, originally featured in the New Universal Magazine.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a humorous moment from the farce, highlighting everyday humor and drama, characteristic of the pre-Romantic era's emphasis on mundane life.
Technique & Style
Engraved by Benjamin Cole in 1753, the print showcases the technical craftsmanship of 18th-century printmaking, with detailed linework bringing the comedic scene to life.
History & Provenance
Created for the New Universal Magazine in 1753, the print's current location is not specified here, though similar works can be found at institutions like the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Context
Part of a broader 18th-century trend to illustrate magazine stories, this print reflects the period's appetite for humorous, relatable content in popular publications.
Artist & collection
Artist
English engraver Benjamin Cole turned architectural theory into elegant prints in the early 1700s.












