Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Matthias Darly. It dates from 21 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1773 print, published in London by M.
About this work
This print from 1773 shows a man playing a viola da gamba. Matthias Darly made it in London. It’s part of the Harry Beard Print Collection.
The print might picture Karl Friedrich Abel, a famous viola da gamba player. It comes from a time when prints were a popular way to share portraits.
Look up another print by Darly, Matthias.
Overview
This 1773 print, published in London by M. Darly, portrays a figure identified as 'Seignor Catgutaneo', potentially depicting the renowned viola da gamba player Karl Friedrich Abel in performance.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, likely Karl Friedrich Abel, is shown playing the viola da gamba, highlighting the instrument's popularity during the period and possibly celebrating Abel's skill as a musician.
Technique & Style
While specific artistic techniques used by M. Darly in this print are not detailed here, it reflects the broader 18th-century English printmaking tradition, common for disseminating portraits and cultural interests.
History & Provenance
Published on October 21, 1773, by M. Darly in London, the print is now part of the Harry Beard Print Collection, indicating its collection history but not revealing earlier ownership details.
Context
Created during a time when prints served as a primary medium for widespread distribution of images, this work contributed to the visibility of musical culture and personalities in 18th-century London.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mary and Matthew Darly were English printsellers and caricaturists during the 1770s.
