Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by John Alefounder in 16.

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 Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of H Beard Print Collection?

Museum-quality prints of H Beard Print Collection are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

John Alefounder , 16

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist John Alefounder. It dates from 16 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1784 print captures the actor John Edwin in costume as Lingo, a character from the comedy The Agreeable Surprise.

About this work

This print shows an actor, John Edwin, dressed for a role. It’s a portrait from a play called The Agreeable Surprise, printed in 1784. The artist used fine lines to capture the wig and costume details.

The print was published by Bradshaw that same year. It’s tied to Romanticism, even though it’s a portrait. The wig hints at the style of the 1700s.

Check out prints by Alefounder, John next.

Overview

This 1784 print captures the actor John Edwin in costume as Lingo, a character from the comedy The Agreeable Surprise. Produced by the publisher Bradshaw, the image presents a detailed portrait of the performer on stage, emphasizing his theatrical attire.

Subject & Meaning

The work records a specific theatrical moment, portraying Edwin in the role of Lingo. By depicting the actor in costume, the print serves both as a visual record of 18th‑century stage practice and as a promotional image for the play, highlighting the character’s distinctive dress and demeanor.

Technique & Style

Executed with precise line work, the print renders the actor’s wig and clothing with careful attention to texture and pattern. The fine linear strokes convey the elaborate hairstyle and fabric folds, reflecting the technical standards of British printmaking in the late Georgian period.

History & Provenance

Printed and issued by the London firm Bradshaw in the same year the play premiered, the image circulated among theatre audiences and collectors. Its association with the Romantic era stems from the period’s growing interest in theatrical portraiture, though the work remains a straightforward stage portrait rather than a Romantic allegory.