Artwork
Mr Pearman as Leander
Mr Pearman as Leander is a print by the Romanticist artist John Rogers. It dates from 28 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a printed image dated 28 February 1825, issued in London by the publisher G.
About this work
The painting shows Mr Pearman as Leander.
It's a print from 1825, which is interesting because it was published by G. Virtue in London.
The details in the print are quite specific, like the date it was published, which suggests it was meant to be a notable work at the time.
To learn more about similar prints, look up the technique of sfumato.
Overview
The work is a printed image dated 28 February 1825, issued in London by the publisher G. Virtue. It portrays an individual named Mr Pearman cast in the role of Leander, the mythological figure who swam nightly across the Hellespont to be with his lover.
Subject & Meaning
By representing Mr Pearman as Leander, the print draws on the classical narrative of love and daring. The identification suggests a playful or commemorative intent, aligning the sitter with the heroic lover who braved the sea each night.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the image relies on line work and tonal shading typical of early‑nineteenth‑century engraving. While the description does not specify the exact method, the period’s prints often employed fine hatching to suggest depth and texture.
History & Provenance
The print was produced by G. Virtue, a notable London publisher of the era, and is presently held in the Harry Beard Collection. Its precise publication date indicates it was likely catalogued as a distinct release rather than a generic illustration.
Context
Printed in the 1820s, the image reflects a broader Victorian fascination with classical themes and the use of portraiture to convey allegorical identities. Such works were commonly circulated among the educated public as both decorative and literary pieces.
Artist & collection
