Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by Unknown in 12.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

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

What movement is H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

Unknown , 12

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Unknown. It dates from 12 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The print presents a seated woman dressed in period costume, rendered with delicate line work that conveys a composed yet resolute presence.

About this work

She’s dressed like a character from a Shakespeare play—Hypolita from *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*.

This print shows a woman in old-fashioned clothes, looking calm but strong. She’s dressed like a character from a Shakespeare play—Hypolita from *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*. The artist, Moses, drew her first, then Chapman turned it into a print.

You’ll notice the fine lines. Prints like this were hand-carved into metal, then ink rolled over to copy the image. This one was made for a publisher named C. Cooke and sold in 1806.

Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more prints like this.

Overview

The print presents a seated woman dressed in period costume, rendered with delicate line work that conveys a composed yet resolute presence. She is identified as Mrs. C. Kemble portraying the role of Hypolita, a character drawn from Shakespeare’s *A Midsummer Night’s Dream*. The image was produced as a hand‑engraved print in the early nineteenth century and is part of the Harry Beard collection.

Subject & Meaning

Mrs. C. Kemble, a noted actress of the era, is shown in the attire of Hypolita, a role associated with classical and pastoral themes in Shakespeare’s comedy. The portrayal emphasizes the dignified poise of the performer, linking the theatrical character’s innocence and strength to the actress’s own public persona.

Technique & Style

The design was first drawn by the artist Moses, then transferred to a metal plate by the engraver Chapman. The plate was incised with fine lines, allowing ink to be pressed onto paper to reproduce the image. The resulting print displays the crisp, controlled line quality typical of early‑1800s British engraving, emphasizing texture in costume and facial expression.

History & Provenance

The print was issued for the publisher C. Cooke on 12 December 1806, a date marked on the impression. It entered the Harry Beard collection, a private assemblage of early British prints, and has since been documented in museum catalogues as an example of theatrical portraiture from the period.

Context

Portrait prints of actors and actresses were a popular means of disseminating theatrical fame in the Georgian era. By presenting a stage role in a collectible format, such prints served both as promotional material for productions and as souvenirs for admirers of the performers.