Artwork
H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist Robinson. It dates from 23 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This is a print by German artist Robinson from 1895. It shows a woman named Ella Russell dressed as a character from a famous opera. The print was meant to go in a magazine called Illustrated Review.
The print has writing on the back. It’s a clipped article from the magazine, pasted on the reverse side.
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Overview
This 1895 print by German artist Robinson depicts Ella Russell as Elsa in the opera Lohengrin. Originally intended for publication in Illustrated Review, the work combines portraiture with operatic theme.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Ella Russell, is portrayed in character as Elsa from Richard Wagner's Lohengrin, highlighting the intersection of art, music, and celebrity culture of the time.
Technique & Style
While specific technical details are not provided, the print's origin in Illustrated Review suggests a reproductive print technique common for magazine dissemination, with Robinson's style adapted for a broad audience.
History & Provenance
Printed in 1895 for Illustrated Review, a clipped article from the magazine is affixed to the reverse, providing contextual evidence of its original publication intent.
Context
Contemporaneous with the late 19th-century operatic revival, the print reflects the era's fascination with Wagner's works and the burgeoning popularity of illustrated periodicals.
Legacy
The print's legacy is tied to both the ephemeral nature of magazine illustrations and the enduring appeal of Lohengrin, with potential connections to broader art historical trends awaiting further contextualization.
Artist & collection
Artist
Werner Kruse, known by his pen name Robinson, was a German illustrator. In 1967 he produced a book of ink drawings that show New York City's skyline and neighborhoods in intense detail. He described it as "an X-ray"…











