Artwork

Troilus and Cressida

Troilus and Cressida, by Unknown, 1850
Troilus and Cressida, by Unknown, 1850

Troilus and Cressida 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

This 19th‑century print, titled Troilus and Cressida, was issued by The London Printing and Publishing Company. It presents a single, tightly composed scene from the medieval legend, capturing a brief encounter between the two protagonists.

Subject & Meaning

The image centers on Troilus on the left, his arm extended toward Cressida on the right. Both figures wear restrained expressions that suggest an emotional tension underlying the narrative moment, reflecting the tragic romance of the source material.

Technique & Style

Executed in fine line work, the print emphasizes delicate detailing in the characters’ garments and the surrounding setting. The careful rendering of texture and background elements creates a sense of immediacy, as if the viewer is witnessing a fleeting instant.

History & Provenance

Published in the latter half of the 1800s by a London‑based printer, the work belongs to a period when the Troilus and Cressida story enjoyed renewed popularity in visual culture. The print’s provenance traces back to the original London Printing and Publishing Company catalogue.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known