Artwork
Print Collection
Print Collection is a print by E. Matthews & Sons. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This late‑nineteenth‑century print, produced by the engraving firm E.
About this work
Overview
This late‑nineteenth‑century print, produced by the engraving firm E. Matthews & Sons, presents a portrait of the actor Samuel Phelps. The work is part of the print collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it is catalogued as a representative example of Victorian portraiture in the medium of print.
Subject & Meaning
Samuel Phelps, celebrated for his interpretations of Shakespearean roles, is shown in a formal pose that emphasizes his theatrical stature. The portrait aims to capture his recognizable features and the dignified presence he brought to the stage, serving both as a visual record of a prominent cultural figure and as a tribute to his contributions to 19th‑century drama.
Technique & Style
Engraved by the firm Matthews & Sons, the image employs line engraving techniques typical of the period, with fine hatching to render facial detail and clothing texture. The composition follows conventional Victorian portrait conventions, balancing realism with a modest decorative border that frames the subject without distracting from his likeness.
History & Provenance
Created in the latter half of the 1800s, the print entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection through acquisition of the museum’s print holdings. Its provenance traces back to the original commission by or for admirers of Phelps, reflecting the era’s practice of disseminating theatrical celebrity images through affordable printed media.
Artist & collection
Artist
E. Matthews & Sons ran a print shop in Victorian London where opera singers and actors lined up to sit for their portraits. The family cranked out crisp black-and-white lithographs that looked like they’d been sketched…
