Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by Peter Van Bleeck in 1750.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

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

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection is a print by Peter Van Bleeck. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 18th‑century print depicts the actress Mrs.

About this work

Overview

This 18th‑century print depicts the actress Mrs. Cibber in the role of Cordelia from Shakespeare’s *King Lear*, specifically the Act III scene. Executed in ink on paper, the image captures a moment of theatrical performance, with the actress holding a modest stage prop as she delivers her lines.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents the tragic heroine Cordelia, whose loyalty and filial love are central to the play’s moral conflict. By portraying Mrs. Cibber in costume, the print emphasizes the connection between the actor’s public persona and the character’s emotional resonance, highlighting the cultural importance of Shakespearean drama in the period.

Technique & Style

Created by the Dutch‑born engraver Peter van Bleeck, the image employs fine ink lines to render facial expression, costume detail, and the prop’s texture. Van Bleeck’s approach combines portraiture with theatrical illustration, using chiaroscuro shading to suggest stage lighting and depth on a flat surface.

History & Provenance

The print was produced in the mid‑1700s, a time when portrait prints of celebrated actors were popular among theatre audiences. It entered the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, where it remains part of the museum’s holdings on printmaking and performance history.

Context

Mrs. Cibber was a leading actress of the London stage, renowned for her tragic roles. Her portrayal of Cordelia was well‑received, and van Billeck’s print served both as a souvenir for patrons and as a means of disseminating the visual culture of the theatre beyond the playhouse.

Artist & collection

Artist

Peter Van Bleeck

Peter Van Bleeck never met a wig he didn’t sketch. The Dutch-born artist, who spent most of his life in London, made a living turning flamboyant 18th-century hairstyles into playful engravings that mocked vanity without…