Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist George Henry Harlow. It dates from 1 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This kind of multi-character sheet was popular with theater crowds in the 1800s.
George Henry Harlow made this print in 1819.
It shows Charles Mathews playing five different stage roles at once.
This kind of multi-character sheet was popular with theater crowds in the 1800s.
Harlow and Mathews worked together often during the Romantic period.
The print captures quick costume changes and dramatic poses.
It’s one of the few surviving images of Mathews in so many guises.
Check out more works by Harlow at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This 1819 print, executed by George Henry Harlow, presents the actor Charles Mathews simultaneously embodying five distinct theatrical characters. Arranged as a single sheet, the image displays Mathews in a succession of costumes and gestures, offering a snapshot of his versatility on stage. The work reflects a popular 19th‑century practice of producing multi‑character portraits for theatre audiences.
Subject & Meaning
The composition emphasizes Mathews’s skill in rapid role changes, a hallmark of his performances. By juxtaposing the five personas, the print celebrates the actor’s capacity for swift transformation and comic timing, inviting viewers to appreciate the breadth of his repertoire within a single visual frame.
Technique & Style
Harlow employed the print medium to render fine line work and clear delineation of costume details, allowing each character to be distinguished by distinct attire and pose. The style is straightforward and illustrative, prioritising clarity of form over elaborate ornamentation, which suited the commercial purpose of theatrical memorabilia.
History & Provenance
Created in 1819, the print emerged during the Romantic era when Harlow and Mathews frequently collaborated on theatrical projects. It stands as one of the rare surviving visual records that capture Mathews in multiple roles, underscoring its value for scholars of early 19th‑century performance culture.
Context
Multi‑character sheets were a common form of souvenir for theatre-goers in the early 1800s, serving both as promotional material and as collectible mementos. This print fits within that tradition, offering contemporary audiences a means to recall a popular performance and the actor’s celebrated versatility.
Artist & collection
Artist
George Henry Harlow made drawings and prints of people in early 19th-century Britain.
