Artwork
H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection is a print by Rigo Frères. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This print is from the H Beard Print Collection.
It was made by Rigo Frères around the 18th century.
The print is held at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and it depicts Léontine Fay Volnys.
The fact that it's a print from a specific collection makes it interesting, as it might be part of a larger set.
You can learn more about similar prints at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
The work is an 18th‑century print from the H Beard Print Collection, presently conserved by the Victoria and Albert Museum. Executed by the French publishing house Rigo Frères, the image presents a portrait of Léontine Fay Volnys. Its inclusion in a named collection suggests it may belong to a broader series of comparable prints held by the museum.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure of the print is Léontine Fay Volnys, whose identity is recorded in the accompanying documentation. While the portrait offers no explicit narrative, the depiction aligns with the period’s practice of commemorating individuals of social or familial significance through printed likenesses.
Technique & Style
Produced by Rigo Frères, the image reflects the typical engraving and etching methods employed by the workshop in the late 1700s. The line work demonstrates a careful balance between fine detailing of facial features and broader shading, characteristic of French portrait prints intended for distribution among collectors.
History & Provenance
The print entered the H Beard Print Collection before being acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it remains part of the institution’s holdings. Its provenance traces back to the original French publisher, linking the piece to the broader network of 18th‑century print circulation across Europe.
Artist & collection
Artist
Rigo Frères left behind a stack of old prints—sharp, funny drawings of beards that look like they’re laughing at you.











