Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist R. Cooper. It dates from 31 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This hand‑coloured, stipple print, dated 31 May 1822, depicts the actor Mr.
About this work
This print shows a man’s face in a play called *The Stranger*. It’s a hand-colored, stippled print from 1822. The man plays the role of “the Stranger.”
It was published for the stage by H. Berthoud. This was part of the Romantic era when artists liked bold moods and strong feelings.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum for more prints like this.
Overview
This hand‑coloured, stipple print, dated 31 May 1822, depicts the actor Mr. C. Young in his role as the titular Stranger from the contemporary drama *The Stranger*. The image was issued by the theatrical publisher H. Berthoud and now belongs to the Harry Beard collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures the dramatic intensity of the character, emphasizing the solitary and enigmatic qualities associated with the Stranger archetype. By focusing on the actor’s facial expression, the print conveys the emotional tension central to the play’s narrative.
Technique & Style
Executed in stipple engraving, the work relies on fine dots to render tonal variation, later enhanced with hand‑applied colour. This combination of printmaking precision and painterly finish reflects the early‑19th‑century preference for nuanced, atmospheric portraiture.
Context
Produced during the Romantic period, the image aligns with the era’s fascination with heightened feeling and individual heroism. Theatrical prints such as this served both as promotional material for productions and as collectible memorabilia for audiences.
History & Provenance
Originally published by H. Berthoud for stage use, the print entered the Harry Beard collection, a private assemblage of early 19th‑century prints, before being acquired by the museum for public display.
Artist & collection
Artist
R. Cooper made hand-colored prints in the early 1800s, showing everyday scenes and popular prints from the day. In the collection you’ll find “H Beard Print Collection (31st May 1822)” and “H Beard Print Collection (1st…
