Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by F. Onwhyn. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The H Beard Print Collection is a print made by Onwhyn, F. in the mid 19th century.
This print is a portrait of Mr Henry Betty as Rolla in a play. The play is Pizarro, and the portrait shows him in Act IV, Scene 1. This suggests the print is related to theater or performance art.
You can learn more about this type of art by looking at the work of Onwhyn, F.
Overview
The H Beard Print Collection comprises a mid‑nineteenth‑century print executed by the artist F. Onwhyn. It depicts a theatrical portrait of the actor Henry Betty in costume, representing the character Rolla during the fourth act, first scene of the drama Pizarro. The work is catalogued as a print and forms part of a broader series of portrait prints from the period.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures Henry Betty assuming the role of Rolla, a principal figure in the stage adaptation of the historical drama Pizarro. By focusing on a specific moment—Act IV, Scene 1—the print emphasizes the dramatic intensity of the performance and serves as a visual record of 19th‑century theatrical costuming and characterization.
Technique & Style
Created using printmaking methods typical of the era, Onwhyn employed line work and tonal shading to render the actor’s features and costume details. The composition balances a clear focal portrait with enough background elements to suggest a stage setting, reflecting the period’s interest in realistic yet stylized theatrical portraiture.
History & Provenance
The print originates from the mid‑1800s, a time when portrait prints of popular actors were widely circulated for public consumption. It is attributed to F. Onwhyn, a printmaker known for documenting contemporary performers. The piece now resides within the H Beard Print Collection, a repository that gathers such theatrical ephemera.
Artist & collection
Artist
F. Onwhyn turned everyday scenes into lively prints in the mid-1800s. One of his works is the *H Beard Print Collection*, a set of crisp, detailed prints that capture London’s streets, fairs, and faces with a quick,…
