Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist G.E. Madeley. It dates from 1834 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print presents the 19th‑century actor Charles Kean in his celebrated portrayal of the English monarch Richard III.
About this work
Overview
This print presents the 19th‑century actor Charles Kean in his celebrated portrayal of the English monarch Richard III. Rendered as a single sheet, the image captures the theatrical costume and demeanor associated with Kean’s interpretation of the historical figure.
Subject & Meaning
The work foregrounds the dramatic character of Richard III, emphasizing the king’s distinctive hunchback and regal attire, elements that Kean emphasized on stage to convey the monarch’s complex personality and political ambition.
History & Provenance
The print was issued by the London publisher Fores, a firm known for producing theatrical prints during the period. The imprint indicates that the image was intended for distribution to admirers of Kean’s performances and to a broader public interested in theatrical portraiture.
Artist & collection
Artist
English printmaker active in the early 1800s, G.E. Madeley carved small scenes and portraits in the Beard tradition. Look at the 1st May 1824 print to see hand-colored stippling and crisp linework. The collection also…
