Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by Frederick Christian Lewis. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print depicts a portrait of Master H.
About this work
Overview
This print depicts a portrait of Master H. W. Betty, focusing on his head and torso.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Master H. W. Betty, is portrayed in a formal, head-and-torso format, typical of dignified representations. Publication in the Lady's Magazine indicates the image was intended for broad dissemination among a general, likely middle-class, audience.
Technique & Style
Created by Frederick Christian Lewis (the elder), the print's style aligns with early 19th-century portraiture conventions, though specific stylistic nuances are not immediately discernible without further artistic context.
History & Provenance
Originally published in the Lady's Magazine, suggesting mass reproduction and distribution. Current collection: H Beard Print Collection.
Context
The print reflects the practice of featuring portraits in popular magazines to cater to the growing demand for accessible, illustrated content among a widening reading public in the early 19th century.
Legacy
The legacy of this specific print is not notably distinguished beyond its representation of Master H. W. Betty and its contribution to the broader practice of magazine illustration during its time.
Artist & collection
Artist
Frederick Christian Lewis painted detailed watercolours and prints in the late 18th to mid 19th century.
