Who painted Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon)?

Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon) was painted by Unknown in 1845.

Where can I see Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon)?

Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon)?

Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon) is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon)

Unknown , 1845

Brainworm, (Mr. Mark Lemon) is a print by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The print portrays Mark Lemon (1809‑1870), noted playwright, actor and editor of *Punch*, in costume as the character Brainworm from Ben Jonson’s comedy *Every Man in His Humour*. Produced around 1845, the image is part of the Harry Beard Collection and exemplifies mid‑nineteenth‑century theatrical portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Lemon is shown in period attire, assuming the role of Brainworm, a figure representing pedantic affectation in Jonson’s play. The depiction underscores Lemon’s involvement in amateur theatre and highlights the cultural crossover between literary figures and stage performance in Victorian England.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, the work employs line work and shading typical of mid‑1800s theatrical prints, emphasizing costume details and facial expression. The composition centers the figure, allowing the viewer to focus on the actor’s solemn demeanor within his theatrical guise.

History & Provenance

The image originates from a 1845 production of *Every Man in His Humour* staged at the Royalty and St. James Theatres. The performance featured amateur participants, most famously Charles Dickens as Bobadil. The print entered the Harry Beard Collection, where it remains documented.

Context

During the 1840s, amateur theatricals were popular among literary circles, providing a venue for writers like Dickens and editors such as Lemon to engage in performance. Jonson’s early‑modern comedy, revived in this production, offered a platform for satirising contemporary affectations, resonating with Victorian audiences.