Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by P. Schemakers in 1850.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection is a print by P. Schemakers. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This print reproduces the marble statue of William Shakespeare sculpted by Peter Scheemakers, which stands in the north transept of Westminster Abbey. The image captures the playwright’s likeness as rendered in the early eighteenth‑century work, offering a two‑dimensional record of the monument for viewers unable to see the original in situ.

Subject & Meaning

The statue commemorates Shakespeare as England’s pre‑eminent dramatist, presenting him in a contemplative pose with a quill and a scroll, symbols of his literary legacy. The print conveys this reverence, emphasizing the cultural importance attributed to the bard within the national memorial space of the Abbey.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, the image translates the three‑dimensional form into line and tone, likely using engraving or etching to render the statue’s drapery, facial features, and the surrounding architectural details. The monochrome rendering highlights the contrast between the smooth stone surface and the intricate background.

History & Provenance

Peter Scheemakers completed the original marble figure in 1740, and it has remained in Westminster Abbey ever since. The printed reproduction was produced subsequently, serving as a means of disseminating the image of the monument beyond the Abbey’s walls, though the exact date and publisher of the print are not recorded.

Artist & collection

Artist

P. Schemakers

This printmaker carved scenes of Dutch daily life in the 1800s, leaving sharp, lively views of markets, canals, and taverns that feel almost like snapshots.