Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist Charles Williams. It dates from 1812 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The artist added a sly jab at theater subscribers, calling the scene “Committee of Taste or the Punishment of a Modern Midas.
This print pokes fun at London’s rebuilt Drury Lane Theatre. Charles Williams made it in 1812, part of a series called H Beard Print Collection.
The artist added a sly jab at theater subscribers, calling the scene “Committee of Taste or the Punishment of a Modern Midas.” Romanticism usually shows big feelings, but this one’s a sharp political joke.
Next time you’re in London, look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
Committee of Taste or the Punishment of a Modern Midas is a satirical print from 1812, created by Charles Williams as part of the H Beard Print Collection. The work critiques the rebuilding of Drury Lane Theatre in London during that year.
Subject & Meaning
The print satirizes the rebuilding of Drury Lane Theatre, specifically targeting the subscribers to the New Theatre through an unlicensed dedication. The title alludes to the myth of Midas, implying the theatre's backers are more concerned with wealth than aesthetic judgment.
Technique & Style
Executed in a style characteristic of early 19th-century British satire, the print contrasts with the emotional intensity typical of Romanticism, instead employing sharp political humor to convey its message.
History & Provenance
Created in 1812 by Charles Williams, the print is part of a larger collection known as the H Beard Print Collection. Its current location is not specified in the provided information, though a suggestion to look up the Victoria and Albert Museum is given, possibly hinting at its potential repository.
Context
The print reflects the public discourse and criticisms surrounding the architectural and managerial decisions made during the 1812 reconstruction of Drury Lane Theatre, a prominent London cultural institution.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of 'Committee of Taste...' on art or theatre history are not detailed, it remains a notable example of early 19th-century British satirical printmaking, offering insight into period criticisms of cultural institutions.
Artist & collection
Artist
English printmaker active around 1806–1812, Charles Williams produced small satirical prints issued monthly by Hannah Beard in London.
