Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by R. K. Burt & Co.. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This coloured print depicts Ellen Terry as Beatrice and Henry Irving as Benedick from Shakespeare's *Much Ado About Nothing*.
About this work
Overview
This coloured print depicts Ellen Terry as Beatrice and Henry Irving as Benedick from Shakespeare's *Much Ado About Nothing*. Printed by R. K. Burt & Co. in the late 19th century, it is signed 'Jack '87', though the artist's identity remains unknown.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures the likenesses of renowned actors Ellen Terry and Henry Irving in their roles as Beatrice and Benedick, highlighting a pivotal moment in Shakespeare's comedy. The portrayal reflects the theatrical personalities of the subjects.
Technique & Style
The use of colour in the print suggests an emphasis on vibrancy, potentially to evoke the theatrical atmosphere of the play. The style, while unsigned by a known artist, indicates a focus on likeness and dramatic pose.
History & Provenance
Printed by R. K. Burt & Co., a firm active in the late 19th century, the work is now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. The signature 'Jack '87' hints at a 1887 creation date, but the artist's name has not been definitively identified.
Context
Created during the late 19th century, this print reflects the era's interest in theatrical illustration and the popularity of Shakespeare's plays during the Victorian theatre scene, in which both Terry and Irving were central figures.
Artist & collection
Artist
R. K. Burt & Co. made late-19th-century prints, specializing in crisp reproductions of line drawings. Their H Beard Print Collection shows everyday scenes and faces with clean, sharp lines—think catalog art for the…
