Who painted Mrs Lewis as Richard III?

Mrs Lewis as Richard III was painted by Unknown in 1850.

Where can I see Mrs Lewis as Richard III?

Mrs Lewis as Richard III is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Artwork

Mrs Lewis as Richard III

Mrs Lewis as Richard III is a print by Unknown. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

The work is a late‑19th‑century print titled *Mrs Lewis as Richard III*. It appears as an illustration that was reproduced in a periodical, indicating an intention for broad public circulation. The image is part of the Harry Beard Collection, a recognized assemblage of prints and illustrations from the era.

Subject & Meaning

The composition depicts a woman, identified as Mrs Lewis, dressed in the regalia associated with the Tudor king Richard III. She is shown in full costume, complete with a prop that evokes the monarch’s iconography, creating a playful juxtaposition of gender and historical persona.

Technique & Style

Executed as a print, the image employs line work and shading characteristic of the period’s illustrative practices. While the description mentions sfumato, the print’s tonal transitions are achieved through fine cross‑hatching rather than the oil‑painting technique traditionally associated with that effect.

History & Provenance

First issued in a journal toward the end of the 1800s, the illustration was later acquired by the Harry Beard Collection, which specializes in ephemera and printed media. Its inclusion in the collection underscores its relevance as a visual document of Victorian‑era publishing.

Context

The illustration reflects a Victorian fascination with historical costume and theatricality, often employed in magazines to entertain and educate readers. By portraying a contemporary woman as a notorious English king, the image engages with contemporary gender norms and the period’s penchant for historical reenactment.