Artwork
Untitled

Untitled is a drawing by the Impressionist artist Alfred Bryan. It dates from 1892 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This drawing shows actor Sir Henry Irving standing next to a small peepshow box. A peepshow is a tiny theater you look into through holes. The box has two holes labeled “Becket” and “King Lear.”
That matches Irving’s 1892 role in King Lear at the Lyceum Theatre. It also pairs two Shakespeare plays he performed in.
Next time you see Irving’s name, look up Alfred Bryan.
Overview
A pen and ink drawing by Alfred Bryan depicts Sir Henry Irving standing beside a peepshow box. The work is dated to around 1892, a year Irving played the title role in Shakespeare's King Lear at the Lyceum Theatre.
Subject & Meaning
The drawing portrays Irving next to a peepshow labeled 'Lyceum Show' with peepholes marked 'Becket' and 'King Lear', referencing two Shakespearean roles Irving performed.
History & Provenance
The drawing is likely from 1892, coinciding with Irving's performance as King Lear at the Lyceum Theatre.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Alfred Bryan (1852–17 May 1899) (born as Charles Grineau) was a popular English illustrator, known for his contributions to many leading London-based weekly magazines.

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