Artwork
Miss Love as Arbaces
Miss Love as Arbaces is a print by the Romanticist artist Simmonds. It dates from 1828 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print portrays Emma Sarah Love in the role of Arbaces, a character from Benjamin Disraeli’s 1826 novel 'Sybil'.
About this work
Overview
This print portrays Emma Sarah Love in the role of Arbaces, a character from Benjamin Disraeli’s 1826 novel 'Sybil'. Produced in London in 1828 by Simpkin & Marshall, it belongs to the Harry Beard Collection, a significant archive of theatrical ephemera. The image captures a moment of dramatic performance, reflecting the popularity of literary adaptations on the Victorian stage.
Subject & Meaning
Arbaces is a complex figure in Disraeli’s novel — a nobleman of Persian descent, enigmatic and morally ambiguous. By depicting Miss Love in this role, the print elevates her performance beyond mere entertainment, suggesting thematic engagement with identity, class, and exoticism. The choice of character reflects contemporary fascination with Orientalist narratives in literature and theater.
Technique & Style
The print is executed in a standard lithographic style of the period, with fine lines and tonal shading to suggest costume and expression. The composition centers the figure against a minimal backdrop, directing focus to her posture and attire. Details in dress and gesture align with theatrical conventions of the time, emphasizing dramatic presence over naturalism.
History & Provenance
Produced in 1828 by Simpkin & Marshall, a prominent London publisher of theatrical prints, the image was likely sold as a souvenir to audiences of the play. It entered the Harry Beard Collection, assembled in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which now resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum as a key resource for studying British stage history.
Context
The late 1820s saw a surge in stage adaptations of popular novels, particularly those by Disraeli. Miss Love’s portrayal of Arbaces coincided with a broader cultural interest in exoticized characters and the blurring of social boundaries. Theatrical prints like this served both as promotional tools and as artifacts of public engagement with emerging literary figures.
Legacy
As part of the Beard Collection, this print preserves a fleeting moment in 19th-century performance culture. It offers insight into how literary characters were visually interpreted for the stage and how actors like Love contributed to shaping public perception of complex roles. Its survival underscores the value placed on ephemeral theatrical materials by later collectors.
Artist & collection
Artist
Simmonds as a surname may refer to:Ann Simmonds, English pentathlete Anne Simmonds, New Zealand biochemist Buck Simmonds, American actor E.
