Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist O. Hodgson. It dates from 30 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The artist, Hodgson, O, published it in London, which is an interesting fact about this work, as it shows the print's origin.
The print is titled H Beard Print Collection.
It's a portrait of Mr Charles Kemble as Baron Falconbridge.
The artist, Hodgson, O, published it in London, which is an interesting fact about this work, as it shows the print's origin.
The print is from 1831, and this date tells us about the time period in which it was created.
This can help us understand the context of the print.
You can learn more about this style by looking into the movement: Romanticism.
Overview
The work is a printed portrait dating from 1831 that depicts the actor Charles Kemble in costume as Baron Falconbridge, a role he performed in the play King John. The image was issued in London by the publisher Orlando Hodgson, situating it within the early nineteenth‑century British print market.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait captures Kemble in the regal attire of Baron Falconbridge, emphasizing the theatrical character rather than the performer’s personal likeness. By presenting the actor in a historical role, the image reflects contemporary interest in dramatizing national history and the romantic fascination with medieval figures.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the image employs line work and shading typical of early nineteenth‑century portraiture, aligning with Romantic sensibilities that favored expressive detail and dramatic presentation. The composition balances a clear rendering of costume with a softened background, enhancing the figure’s presence.
History & Provenance
Printed by Orlando Hodgson, a London publisher active during the period, the portrait was likely distributed as a souvenir for theatre audiences. Its 1831 date places it amid the flourishing of Romantic theatre, when actors such as Kemble were celebrated both onstage and in printed memorabilia.
Artist & collection
Artist
O. Hodgson left behind a stack of sharp little prints signed only with initials, as if they’d slipped them under doors in 1830s London. Every sheet is tiny—postcard size—and packed with riotous crowds outside theaters…
