Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by Edmond Thomas Parris. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print shows Ariel, the playful spirit from Shakespeare’s *The Tempest*. Edmond Thomas Parris made it in the 19th century using printmaking.
It was published by Smith, Elder and Company, a well-known London firm that printed books and images. That’s how Ariel left the stage and landed on paper.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more prints by Parris.
Overview
This 19th-century print, created by Edmond Thomas Parris, portrays Ariel, the mischievous spirit from William Shakespeare's play *The Tempest*. Published by the prominent London publisher Smith, Elder and Company, the work translates the theatrical character into a printed form.
Subject & Meaning
The print focuses on Ariel, embodying the character's playful and ethereal nature as depicted in Shakespeare's drama. The representation reflects the artistic interpretation of a literary figure, highlighting the intersection of theatre and visual arts.
Technique & Style
Crafted through printmaking techniques, the work showcases Parris's skill in capturing nuanced details and textures. The style, while rooted in 19th-century aesthetics, aims to evoke the whimsical and airy essence of Ariel.
History & Provenance
Published by Smith, Elder and Company, a renowned London firm known for its literary and artistic outputs, the print is part of a broader collection of Parris's works. For additional examples of his prints, the Victoria and Albert Museum holds a notable collection.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edmond Thomas Parris made detailed prints and watercolors in early-19th-century London.
