Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by J. Mariette in 1750.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection is a print by J. Mariette. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work is a printed portrait titled "H Beard Print Collection," depicting a woman identified as Mademoiselle Desmares. Executed as a single‑sheet print, it was produced in Paris by the publisher Mariette. The image presents a formal, seated figure rendered in the conventions of eighteenth‑century French portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Mademoiselle Desmares, the sitter, is portrayed with the compositional restraint typical of contemporary portraiture, emphasizing her social standing and personal attributes through attire and pose. The work functions both as a likeness and as a document of the fashion and genteel demeanor associated with the French bourgeoisie of the period.

Technique & Style

The print employs the standard engraving or etching techniques of the era, allowing for fine line work and subtle tonal variation. Mariette’s publishing house was known for reproducing works with clarity, and the image reflects the restrained elegance and attention to detail characteristic of French printmaking in the late eighteenth century.

History & Provenance

Issued in Paris by the Mariette firm, a prominent publisher of prints and artworks, the portrait entered the H Beard Print Collection at an unspecified date. Its provenance traces back to the original French print market, where such portraits were circulated among collectors and the emerging middle class.