Artwork
Drawing by Bernard Patridge

Drawing by Bernard Patridge is a drawing by the Impressionist artist John Bernard Partridge. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This drawing by Bernard Partridge captures a moment from Henry Irving's acclaimed 1885 production of Faust at the Lyceum Theatre, where Partridge once acted under the name Bernard Gould.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is likely Henry Irving in his role as Mephistopheles in the adaptation of Goethe's play by W.G. Wills, highlighting Partridge's connection to the theatre and its stars.
Technique & Style
While specific details of the drawing's technique are not provided, Partridge's work as a painter, illustrator, and cartoonist (notably for Punch magazine) suggests a blend of artistic precision and illustrative flair.
History & Provenance
Created during the production's run, the drawing may have been intended for a Lyceum Theatre souvenir programme, alongside Partridge's other illustrations of Irving and the theatre.
Context
Part of a broader body of work documenting late 19th-century theatre, this drawing reflects the popularity of Irving's Faust and the intersection of art and theatrical performance in Victorian London.
Legacy
The drawing contributes to the historical record of Irving's performances and the Lyceum Theatre's productions, while also showcasing Partridge's dual role as artist and observer of the theatrical world.
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir John Bernard Partridge was an English illustrator. Born in London, he was the son of Professor Richard Partridge, F.R.S., president of the Royal College of Surgeons, and nephew of John Partridge, portrait-painter…











