Artwork
H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist Frank Dicksee. It dates from 1876 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print shows Caesar and his wife Calphurnia in a scene from Shakespeare’s play. It’s an old print, made around 1870–1883 by Frank Dicksee. The image comes from Act II Scene II of Julius Caesar.
Published by Cassell & Company, it mixes two styles: Impressionism and Realism. The print sits today at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Look up the artist Frank Dicksee next.
Overview
This 19th-century print, created between 1870 and 1883, illustrates a scene from William Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, specifically Act II, Scene II, featuring Caesar and his wife Calphurnia.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a pivotal moment from Shakespeare's play, portraying the relationship between Caesar and Calphurnia, conveying the dramatic tension of the scene through the depicted interaction.
Technique & Style
The work blends elements of Impressionism and Realism, reflecting the artistic trends of its time. The fusion of these styles contributes to the print's visual appeal and narrative depth.
History & Provenance
Attributed to the British artist Frank Dicksee, the print was published by Cassell & Company. It is now part of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
Context
Created during a period of renewed interest in Shakespearean illustrations, this print reflects the Victorian era's fascination with classical literature and theatrical themes.
Legacy
As part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's holdings, the print contributes to the institution's extensive collection of 19th-century art and Shakespearean illustrations, providing insight into the era's artistic and cultural preferences.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frank Dicksee spent his days in a London studio that smelled of turpentine and old books, sketching the same model for months until her face felt like family.











