Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by W Hawkins. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
The work is a print from the H Beard Print Collection that portrays a single figure, identified as Mademoiselle Delia, in costume from the theatrical piece *Fanchon la Vielleuse*. Rendered in a straightforward, portrait-like format, the image focuses on the sitter holding a fan, without elaborate background or decorative elements.
Subject & Meaning
Mademoiselle Delia is presented as a character from the well‑known play *Fanchon la Vielleuse*, suggesting the print was intended to capture a moment of theatrical performance or to serve as a souvenir of the role. The fan she holds is a typical prop associated with the character, reinforcing the connection to the stage.
Technique & Style
Executed as a monochrome print, the image relies on line work and shading to define the figure’s features and costume. The composition is simple, emphasizing the sitter’s pose and attire rather than elaborate scenery, reflecting a utilitarian approach common to 19th‑century theatrical prints.
History & Provenance
The print is catalogued within the H Beard Print Collection, a repository known for assembling prints of cultural and theatrical interest. While specific acquisition details are not recorded, its inclusion in the collection indicates recognition of its value as a visual record of period stage costume.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hawkins had a habit of hiding tiny jokes in his prints—look closely at the corner of "H Beard Print Collection" and you’ll spot a beard shaped like a question mark.
