Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by W. Strange. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This double-sided print, titled *The Redowa and Polish Polkas*, features an etching of a dancing couple above musical staves.
About this work
Overview
This double-sided print, titled *The Redowa and Polish Polkas*, features an etching of a dancing couple above musical staves. The work showcases a Polish-themed scene, with the dancers depicted in traditional attire.
Subject & Meaning
The etching portrays a male and female dancer hand in hand, dressed in Polish folk costumes, including distinctive square-brimmed hats (possibly Krakowiak or Rogatywka), fur-trimmed clothing, and traditional boots. The woman wears a three-quarter-length cloak over a wide-skirted dress and ankle-length boots, while the man wears wide breeches, a fur-trimmed jacket, and a short cape.
Technique & Style
The print combines musical notation with an etched illustration, characteristic of 19th-century music publications. The etching's style, though not attributed to a specific artist here, reflects the period's approach to depicting folkloric themes with attention to detail in costume.
History & Provenance
This print is likely an excerpt from *The Musical Bouquet*, a 19th-century music magazine. Its original context suggests it was part of a broader collection of musical pieces and illustrations.
Context
The inclusion of Polish folk elements reflects the 19th century's interest in nationalistic and folkloric themes across Europe. Such prints catered to a growing middle-class interest in music and cultural diversity.
Legacy
While not individually renowned, this print contributes to the historical record of 19th-century musical culture and the visual representation of folk traditions. For similar items, see the Victoria and Albert Museum's sheet music collections.
Artist & collection
Artist
This artist made prints for the H. Beard collection, a set of satirical images that poked fun at Victorian manners and fashion. Their work belongs to the humorous print tradition of the late 1800s, when artists used…
