Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection, by S. Harding, 29
H Beard Print Collection, by S. Harding, 29

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist S. Harding. It dates from 29 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1790 print depicts a theatrical portrait of Mr.

About this work

He was printed during the Romantic era, when artists liked drama and feeling.

This is a print from 1790 showing a man in costume.
It’s a portrait of Mr. Fearon as Captain Driver from a play called Oroonoko.
He was printed during the Romantic era, when artists liked drama and feeling.

The play was about freedom and rebellion, themes that fit Romanticism.
Prints like this were often sold to fans of the theater.
It’s a snapshot of popular culture from the time.

Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more prints.

Overview

This 1790 print depicts a theatrical portrait of Mr. Fearon in the role of Captain Driver from the play 'Oroonoko'. The image captures a moment in late 18th-century popular culture, reflecting the era's theatrical tastes.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Mr. Fearon as Captain Driver, is part of 'Oroonoko', a play centered on themes of freedom and rebellion, aligning with the emotional and political sensibilities of the Romantic era in which it was produced.

Technique & Style

While specific artistic techniques are not detailed, the print's creation during the Romantic era suggests an emphasis on expressive and dramatic rendering, characteristic of the period's artistic preferences.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1790, this print was likely part of a commercial series catering to theater enthusiasts, a common practice for disseminating popular culture artifacts of the time.

Context

For broader context on similar theatrical prints from the era, the Victoria and Albert Museum's collections offer relevant comparisons and insights into late 18th-century print culture.

Artist & collection

Artist

S. Harding

Printmaker active in the late 1700s, Harding produced everyday scenes that were sold in London shops and later bound into the H Beard Print Collection.