Artwork

Anthony Leigh

Anthony Leigh, by Unknown, 1850
Anthony Leigh, by Unknown, 1850

Anthony Leigh is a print by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This painting shows a portrait of Anthony Leigh.
It's a lithograph, which is a type of print made from stone. The fact that it was published in London in the 19th century is interesting, as it gives us a glimpse into the city's printing history.
You can learn more about this type of printmaking by looking into the technique: sfumato.

Overview

A lithographic portrait of Anthony Leigh, produced in London around the nineteenth century, forms part of the Harry Beard Collection. The image is presented as a single‑sheet print, typical of the period’s commercial portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts Anthony Leigh, a figure whose identity is recorded solely by name. The portrait’s straightforward composition suggests a focus on likeness rather than narrative, reflecting the era’s interest in documenting notable individuals.

Technique & Style

Created by lithography, the image was drawn onto a flat stone surface and then transferred to paper through a chemical process that allowed for fine line work and tonal variation. The resulting print exhibits the crispness and subtle shading characteristic of early nineteenth‑century lithographic portraiture.

History & Provenance

The print’s publisher remains unidentified, though its London origin situates it within the bustling print market of the time. It entered the Harry Beard Collection, a private assemblage known for its holdings of historic prints, where it is now conserved.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known