Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by Robert White in 1701.

Where can I see H Beard Print Collection?

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

What movement is H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

Robert White , 1701

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Baroque artist Robert White. It dates from 1701 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The print, created in 1701, depicts Jeremy Collier, a noted theatrical critic and theologian of the late 17th and early 18th centuries.

About this work

Overview

The print, created in 1701, depicts Jeremy Collier, a noted theatrical critic and theologian of the late 17th and early 18th centuries. Rendered in a formal pose, the figure is shown in contemporary dress, his expression solemn and contemplative. The work is an engraved portrait, produced through the collaborative efforts of several early‑modern printmakers and publishers.

Subject & Meaning

Jeremy Collier (1650‑1726) is presented as a learned man, reflecting his dual reputation as a critic of the stage and a religious writer. The serious demeanor and dignified attire underscore his authority in both cultural and theological debates of his time, offering viewers a visual affirmation of his intellectual stature.

Technique & Style

The image was executed by the engraver Robert White, whose fine line work captures the texture of fabric and facial features with precision. The print was printed by John Murray, employing copperplate engraving techniques typical of the period, and the composition follows the conventions of formal portraiture prevalent in early 18th‑century England.

History & Provenance

Published by the printer Charles Tilt in 1701, the portrait entered the Harry Beard Collection, a private assemblage of prints. Its survival in this collection provides a rare example of collaborative print production involving a noted engraver, a commercial publisher, and a later collector who preserved the work for contemporary study.

Artist & collection

Artist

Robert White

Robert White (1645 – 1703) was an English draughtsman and engraver. A Londoner, he was a pupil of David Loggan, and became a leading portrait engraver. White was celebrated for his original portraits, drawn in pencil on…