Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by David Martin in 1.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

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

What movement is H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

David Martin , 1

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist David Martin. It dates from 1 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a printed image portraying a stage actor costumed as the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane.

About this work

This print shows an actor dressed as Tamerlane, a historical figure.
The actor's costume and pose suggest a dramatic performance. The print was published by J.Barker in 1793, which is interesting because it was after the artist's death, so it might be a later reproduction of his work.
The print's style is similar to that of other 18th-century artists, such as artist: Martin, David.

Overview

The work is a printed image portraying a stage actor costumed as the Central Asian conqueror Tamerlane. The figure is rendered in a theatrical pose, emphasizing the drama of the role. The print was issued by the London publisher J. Barker in 1793, indicating it was circulated in the late eighteenth‑century print market.

Subject & Meaning

The composition captures a moment from a theatrical production, using the historical persona of Tamerlane to convey themes of power and exoticism popular on the contemporary stage. By depicting the actor rather than the historical figure directly, the image reflects the period’s fascination with costumed performance as a vehicle for historical imagination.

Technique & Style

Executed in the line‑and‑tone conventions typical of late‑Georgian prints, the work employs fine hatching and chiaroscuro to model the costume’s folds and the actor’s expression. Its visual language aligns with the approaches of artists such as Martin and David, whose prints of the era similarly balanced detailed figuration with a decorative surface.

History & Provenance

Although the original artist died before 1793, the print appears to be a posthumous reproduction, suggesting that the image was valued enough to merit re‑issuance. The involvement of J. Barker, a known publisher of theatrical prints, points to a market for memorabilia linked to popular stage productions of the time.

Artist & collection

Artist

David Martin

David Martin (1 April 1737 – 30 December 1797) was a Scottish painter and engraver. Born in Fife, he studied in Italy and England, before gaining a reputation as a portrait painter.