Artwork
Mr William Parsons in the character of Alscrip in the comedy of the Heiress
Mr William Parsons in the character of Alscrip in the comedy of the Heiress is a print by the Romanticist artist Mr. James Parker. It dates from 1795 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a printed portrait showing the actor William Parsons in costume as the character Alscrip from the 1795 comedy *The Heiress*.
About this work
This print is a portrait of Mr. William Parsons as Alscrip in the comedy of the Heiress.
The print was published in April 1795 by J. Sewell in London. It's interesting that this print is part of the Harry Beard Collection, which suggests it was collected for its historical or artistic value.
You can learn more about this style by exploring the movement of Romanticism.
Overview
The work is a printed portrait showing the actor William Parsons in costume as the character Alscrip from the 1795 comedy *The Heiress*. Produced by the London publisher J. Sewell in April of that year, the image captures a moment of theatrical performance and was later incorporated into the Harry Beard Collection, indicating its relevance to collectors of eighteenth‑century stage imagery.
Subject & Meaning
Parsons, a noted comic actor of the period, is depicted in the role of Alscrip, a figure whose name suggests a satirical or foolish persona within the play’s narrative. The portrait functions both as a likeness of the performer and as a visual record of a specific theatrical role, reflecting contemporary interest in celebrity and the staging of popular comedies.
Technique & Style
Executed as a single‑plate print, the image relies on line work and shading typical of late‑eighteenth‑century British printmaking. The composition foregrounds the actor’s costume and facial expression, using contrast to emphasize theatrical gestures, while the surrounding space remains relatively plain, focusing attention on the subject.
History & Provenance
First issued by J. Sewell, a Cornhill‑based printer active in the 1790s, the print circulated among theatre patrons and admirers of Parsons. Its later inclusion in the Harry Beard Collection demonstrates the work’s continued appeal as a document of theatrical history and as an example of period print culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
James Parker made single-sheet prints in late-18th-century London. In April 1795 he etched Mr William Parsons playing Alscrip in the comedy *The Heiress* at Covent Garden. The sheet shows a costumed actor caught between…
