Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by George Cruikshank in 8.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

George Cruikshank , 8

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist George Cruikshank. It dates from 8 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The print titled “Richard Harris’d or the Wolves Too Keen” is a satirical engraving by George Cruikshank. Executed as a single‑sheet print, it lampoons the theatrical rivalry surrounding Edmund Kean’s performances of Shakespeare’s Richard III at London’s Drury Lane and Covent Garden theatres.

Subject & Meaning

The image portrays two figures on a stage, one clearly cast as a king, suggesting the role of Richard III. The composition ridicules Kean’s repeated casting, implying a duplicitous or overly eager actor, while a second, possibly Thomas Harris, serves as a foil to heighten the comic effect.

Technique & Style

Cruikshank employs his characteristic line engraving, using dense cross‑hatching and exaggerated facial features to convey caricature. The stark contrasts and lively gestures amplify the mock‑heroic tone, typical of early 19th‑century theatrical satire.

History & Provenance

Produced during the height of Kean’s fame in the 1820s, the print circulated among theatre‑goers and critics as a visual commentary on the actor’s dual engagements. Its survival in print collections attests to its role as a contemporary response to theatrical politics.

Context

At the time, Kean’s portrayals of Richard III sparked intense public interest and rivalry between the two major London venues. Satirical prints such as this one were common means of public discourse, reflecting both admiration and criticism of celebrity performers.

Legacy

Cruikshank’s work remains a valuable document of early 19th‑century theatrical culture, illustrating how visual satire intersected with performance history and contributed to the public’s perception of star actors like Kean.

Artist & collection

Artist

George Cruikshank

George Cruikshank or Cruickshank ( KRUUK-shank; 27 September 1792 – 1 February 1878) was a British caricaturist and book illustrator, praised as the "modern Hogarth" during his life.