Who painted Print Collection?

Print Collection was painted by Samuel De Wilde.

Where can I see Print Collection?

Print Collection is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Can I buy a print of Print Collection?

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

Artwork

Print Collection

Samuel De Wilde

Print Collection is a print by Samuel De Wilde. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This print presents a satirical portrait of the actor George Frederick Cooke, cast in the role of Sir Archy Macsarcasm, a character described as being "in love a‑la‑mode." The image was produced as a single‑sheet print and distributed by the London publisher John Cawthorn in the early nineteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The work caricatures Cooke, a noted stage performer, by placing him in a mock‑heroic guise that lampoons both his theatrical persona and contemporary fashions of romantic affection. The title’s playful phrasing suggests a tongue‑in‑cheek commentary on the pretensions of aristocratic courtship.

Technique & Style

Executed in the typical black‑and‑white print medium of the period, the image relies on line work and hatching to delineate facial features and costume details. The style aligns with the popular caricature tradition of London printmakers, emphasizing exaggerated expressions to convey humor.

History & Provenance

The print was issued by John Cawthorn, a prominent publisher of theatrical prints and pamphlets in the early 1800s. Copies have appeared in several nineteenth‑century collections of stage memorabilia, indicating its circulation among audiences familiar with Cooke’s performances.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Samuel De Wilde

Samuel De Wilde (1751 – 19 January 1832), born and died in London, was a portrait painter and etcher of Dutch descent famous for his theatrical paintings.