Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Rose Emma Drummond. It dates from 11 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print shows a portrait of a woman dressed for a play. It’s from 1826, so it’s old but still looks crisp. The artist, Rose Emma Drummond, made it as a print, not a painting.
The sitter is Miss Lacy playing Belvidera, a character from a popular stage show at the time.
If you like this, look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
Created in 1826, this print depicts a theatrical portrait of a young woman identified as Miss Lacy in costume as Belvidera, a role drawn from a well‑known stage production of the period. The work is executed in the print medium by Rose Emma Drummond, offering a clear, crisp image despite its age.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown in the attire of Belvidera, a character popular on early‑19th‑century stages, suggesting the print served both as a likeness of the actress and as promotional material for the performance. The portrayal emphasizes the costume and demeanor associated with the role, linking the image to contemporary theatrical culture.
Technique & Style
Drummond employed traditional printmaking methods, likely a form of engraving or lithography, to achieve fine line work and tonal contrast. The composition balances detail in the costume with a smooth background, allowing the figure to stand out sharply, characteristic of portrait prints intended for wide distribution.
History & Provenance
The print originates from the H Beard Print Collection, a body of works that includes various 19th‑century prints. Its documented creation date of 1826 places it within the early Victorian era, a time when printed portraits of stage performers were commonly circulated among audiences and patrons.
Context
Belvidera was a celebrated role in the repertoire of early 1800s theatre, and Miss Lacy’s association with the part reflects the era’s fascination with celebrity actors. Prints such as this functioned as both personal memorabilia and public advertisement, bridging the worlds of visual art and performance.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist made prints in early 1800s Britain, a time when women artists worked mostly in reproductive engravings.
