Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by R. G. Mathews. It dates from 30 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print is from the H Beard Print Collection. It was created by artist Mathews, R. G.
The print shows an illustration from a colour magazine. It depicts the Rhine Maidens swimming in Wagner's Das Rhinegold, a performance at Covent Garden in 1936. This gives us a glimpse into a specific event and cultural context.
You can learn more about the artist behind this work, Mathews, R. G.
Overview
This print, from the H Beard Print Collection, originates from a colour magazine illustration. Created by artist R. G. Mathews, it captures a scene from the 1936 Covent Garden performance of Wagner's Das Rhinegold.
Subject & Meaning
The print specifically depicts the Rhine Maidens swimming, a pivotal element in Das Rhinegold. This scene offers insight into the visual interpretation of Wagner's opera during its 1936 staging at Covent Garden.
Technique & Style
While the print's original medium is a colour magazine illustration, the techniques and stylistic choices of R. G. Mathews are not detailed in the provided information. The work reflects the illustrative standards of mid-20th-century magazine publishing.
History & Provenance
The print is part of the H Beard Print Collection. It was created to illustrate the 1936 Covent Garden production of Das Rhinegold, with the artist R. G. Mathews commissioned for the magazine feature.
Context
This print provides a window into the cultural and artistic landscape of 1936, particularly the interpretation of Wagner's operas in London during this period. It highlights the intersection of opera, illustration, and magazine culture.
Legacy
The legacy of this print lies in its archival value, offering historical insight into the visual representation of opera performances in the mid-20th century, rather than being noted for influencing artistic movements or widespread recognition.
Artist & collection
Artist
R. G. Mathews made prints in the mid-20th century, including the *H Beard Print Collection (30th September 1936)*, a single dated work in the bundle. The scene shows a row of terraced houses under a cloudy sky, their…
