Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist Alexandre Lacauchie. It dates from 1874 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 19th‑century print, produced by the lithographer Lacauchie, captures a theatrical moment from the production of La Dame de Pique.
About this work
Overview
This 19th‑century print, produced by the lithographer Lacauchie, captures a theatrical moment from the production of La Dame de Pique. The image records the actor Coudère in costume as Prince Zizianow, offering a visual record of stage design and performance practice of the era.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on the princely figure, Prince Zizianow, as portrayed by Coudère. By freezing a specific scene, the print serves both as a documentation of the drama’s narrative and as a celebration of the actor’s interpretation of the role within the popular melodrama.
Technique & Style
Executed in the 1870s, the work combines the loose, light‑filled brushwork associated with Impressionism with the detailed observation characteristic of Realism. Lacauchie’s printmaking technique translates these painterly qualities into a reproducible medium, preserving both atmospheric effect and precise costume detail.
History & Provenance
The image originates from the Galerie Dramatique, a collection of theatrical prints that circulated among Parisian audiences. Though the original print’s ownership trail is limited, similar works are held by institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, indicating its inclusion in broader collections of 19th‑century stage imagery.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alexandre Lacauchie made prints in the 19th century, mostly portraits and scenes that circulated widely.
