Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by John Fairburn. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 19th‑century print presents a full‑length portrait of the actor Mr.
About this work
Overview
This 19th‑century print presents a full‑length portrait of the actor Mr. O. Smith in costume as the character Obi, also known as Three Finger’d Jack, from the stage production titled *Three Finger’d Jack*. The image was produced and issued by the printmaker J. Fairburn, reflecting the popular practice of distributing theatrical likenesses to a broad audience.
Subject & Meaning
The figure depicted is Mr. Smith embodying the role of Obi, a notorious outlaw character traditionally portrayed with a distinctive three‑fingered hand. The portrayal emphasizes the dramatic attire and posture associated with the role, serving both as a visual record of the performance and as a promotional image for the play’s narrative of rebellion and intrigue.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the work employs line engraving and shading typical of mid‑1800s commercial printmaking. Fairburn’s handling of the figure’s costume details and facial expression demonstrates a balance between realistic rendering and the stylised conventions of theatrical portraiture, allowing the character’s identity to be instantly recognisable.
History & Provenance
Published by John Fairburn, a noted print publisher of the period, the image would have been distributed to theatre patrons and the general public. Copies of the print have entered museum collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, where they are catalogued as part of a broader series of theatrical portrait prints from the era.
Artist & collection
Artist
John Fairburn made mid-1820s prints you’ll find in the H Beard Print Collection: three dated January 21 1825, July 1826, and roughly the same era.
