Artwork
Print Collection
Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist William Paine. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
It shows African American actor Ira Aldridge who left New York for London in 1825.
William Paine made a print around 1850 called *Print Collection*. It shows African American actor Ira Aldridge who left New York for London in 1825. Aldridge played Othello and other roles in East End theaters early on.
Before becoming a star, he started in student theater back home. He tackled comic parts, tragic parts, and even white roles like Shylock.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum next.
Overview
Print Collection (c. 1850) by William Paine is a portrait print depicting Ira Aldridge, a prominent African American actor of the 19th century. The work captures Aldridge's likeness during the height of his career in Europe and Britain.
Subject & Meaning
Ira Aldridge (1807-1867) is portrayed in the print, highlighting his achievement as a pioneering African American actor who successfully performed in both comic and tragic roles, including traditionally white characters like Shylock and Macbeth, in London's theaters from the East End to Covent Garden.
Technique & Style
The print, created around 1850, utilizes techniques common to portrait prints of the era, focusing on rendering Aldridge's image with clarity. The style reflects the mid-19th-century approach to depicting theatrical personalities, emphasizing likeness and professional stature.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid-19th century, the print's early history and ownership are not detailed here. It is now part of a collection, with a suggested reference to the Victoria and Albert Museum for further context, indicating its significance in theatrical and cultural heritage.
Context
The print is set against the backdrop of 19th-century European and British theater, where Aldridge broke racial barriers. His versatility and success, including performances as Othello and in minstrel songs, mark him as a trailblazer in overcoming the era's racial divisions in the arts.
Legacy
Print Collection contributes to the visual legacy of Ira Aldridge, preserving his image for posterity. It stands as a testament to his impact on 19th-century theater, facilitating remembrance of his achievements in a time of significant racial prejudice.
Artist & collection
Artist
Prints of 19th-century British life fill this artist’s small bundle. You’ll flip through portraits of Miss Glyn and Constance and scenes crowded with whiskered gentlemen from the H Beard Print Collection, all made…
