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Crazed

Aubert's Steam Printing Works

1878

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Crazed is a 1878 by Aubert's Steam Printing Works, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Aubert's Steam Printing Works
When & what style?: 1878 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This poster shows a wild-haired man in a long coat, holding a sheet of music. He’s standing next to a small piano, looking excited or maybe a little crazy. The text says "Folly Theatre" and "Mr. W. J. Hill" in bold letters, with "Crazed" written big on the side. The poster’s style is simple but full of energy, using strong black lines and simple shading. The man’s wild hair and big smile make him look like he’s full of life. Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more prints like this.

The story of this work

Overview

The engraving titled *Crazed* depicts W. J. Hill standing in front of a piano while holding sheet music, combining pictorial and typographic elements. It was reproduced from *The Illustrated Sporting and Dramatic News* and linked to a production of *Crazed* at the Folly Theatre in London on February 2, 1878.

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

Artist

Aubert's Steam Printing Works

This printing outfit cranked out the late-1800s version of clickbait: bold colors, tiny performers, and titles like *Crazed* or *Ours* that promised drama.

See the richer artist page