Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection, by Unknown, 1765
H Beard Print Collection, by Unknown, 1765

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 1765 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 18th-century engraving portrays Henri Montan Berton, a figure from the period, captured in attire characteristic of his time.

About this work

This painting shows a portrait of a man.
He is dressed in old-fashioned clothes.
The portrait is an engraving, which is a way of printing images using metal plates.

The man in the portrait is Henri Montan Berton.
He was engraved around 1765, which helps us date the print.

To learn more about this kind of printing, look up the technique: chiaroscuro.

Overview

This 18th-century engraving portrays Henri Montan Berton, a figure from the period, captured in attire characteristic of his time.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Henri Montan Berton, is depicted in formal, old-fashioned clothing, suggesting a portrait intended to convey dignity or professional stature.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving, the work utilizes metal plate printing. While the visual note mentions chiaroscuro as a related technique for further study, the engraving itself primarily showcases line work typical of portrait engravings from this era.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1765, the engraving is part of the Harry Beard Collection, indicating its ownership history but not providing direct insight into Berton's life or the engraver's identity.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known