Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection, by W. & D. Downey, 1884
H Beard Print Collection, by W. & D. Downey, 1884

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist W. & D. Downey. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This print captures a moment from a 1884 production of Romeo and Juliet at the Lyceum Theatre, featuring Mary Anderson as Juliet and Fanny Stirling as the Nurse.

Subject & Meaning

The print highlights the central relationship between Juliet and her Nurse, a pivotal dynamic in Shakespeare's tragedy, as portrayed by two leading actresses of the time.

Technique & Style

The medium of print allowed for widespread dissemination of the image, though specific artistic techniques or stylistic choices of the print are not detailed in available information.

History & Provenance

Originating from the Lyceum Theatre's 1884 production, the print's creation and distribution likely served to promote the play or commemorate its run.

Context

Part of the H Beard Print Collection, this item reflects late 19th-century interests in theatrical ephemera and the enduring popularity of Shakespearean drama.

Artist & collection

Artist

W. & D. Downey

These sisters turned a London studio into a backstage pass for Victorian theater.