Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Matthew William Peters. It dates from 4 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1796 print portrays an episode from the life of King Henry VIII.
About this work
This print shows a scene from King Henry VIII’s story. It’s a print, not a painting, made by an English artist in 1796. Published in London, it’s part of a special collection.
The artist was also a churchman—a Reverend. He worked during the Romantic era, when artists focused on strong feelings and drama.
Want to see more? Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This 1796 print portrays an episode from the life of King Henry VIII. Produced in London by the publishing firm J. & J. Boydell, the work belongs to a specialized collection of historical prints.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a moment from the Tudor monarch’s narrative, reflecting the enduring fascination with Henry VIII’s political and personal dramas. Its composition emphasizes the tension and intrigue associated with the king’s reign.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print rather than a painting, the work employs the detailed line work typical of late eighteenth‑century British engraving. Its dramatic lighting and emotive gestures align with the Romantic sensibility that prioritized feeling and theatricality.
Context
The creator was an English clergyman, a Reverend who practiced art alongside his ecclesiastical duties. Working during the Romantic period, he contributed to the era’s broader interest in historical subjects rendered with heightened emotional impact.
History & Provenance
Originally issued by J. & J. Boydell in London, the print later entered the holdings of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it remains accessible for study and public viewing.
Artist & collection
Artist
Matthew William Peters was an English portrait and genre painter who later became an Anglican clergyman and chaplain to George IV. He became known as "William" when he started signing his works as "W. Peters".
