Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by Leclerc.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

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

H Beard Print Collection by Leclerc — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

The work is a lithographic print titled *Salle des Conserts Musard*, accompanied by the subtitle indicating its location near the newly built Rue Vivienne and the Boulevard. It depicts an elegant ballroom interior populated by couples who are either seated or moving about, under the glow of large chandeliers. A columned screen separates the space, beyond which an orchestra is visible.

Subject & Meaning

The scene captures the social ritual of mid‑nineteenth‑century Parisian dance gatherings, emphasizing the interaction between male and female participants.

The scene captures the social ritual of mid‑nineteenth‑century Parisian dance gatherings, emphasizing the interaction between male and female participants. Men are shown in hat‑adorned attire while women wear bonnets, reflecting contemporary fashion. The division created by the columned partition suggests a formal arrangement of space, separating the audience from the musicians and underscoring the structured nature of such events.

Technique & Style

Executed as a lithograph, the image relies on fine line work and tonal shading to convey the opulent interior and the textures of clothing. The artist employs a balanced composition, with the chandelier‑lit central area drawing the eye, while the columned barrier provides depth. The representation of fashion details aligns with the realistic yet slightly idealized style typical of mid‑1800s French prints.

History & Provenance

The print is part of the Harry Beard Collection, a private assemblage known for its holdings of 19th‑century graphic works. Its inclusion in this collection indicates a provenance linked to collectors interested in Parisian urban and social scenes from the 1840‑1860 period.

Context

During the 1840s‑1860s, Parisian ballrooms served as venues for displaying the latest fashions and for social networking among the bourgeoisie. The depiction of the Musard Concert Hall, a renowned location for popular concerts, situates the work within a broader cultural milieu that celebrated public music and dance as central aspects of urban life.