Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection, by D. H. Friston, 14
H Beard Print Collection, by D. H. Friston, 14

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist D. H. Friston. It dates from 14 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This printed image captures a moment from Richard Wagner’s opera The Flying Dutchman as it was presented at London’s Lyceum Theatre.

About this work

Overview

This printed image captures a moment from Richard Wagner’s opera The Flying Dutchman as it was presented at London’s Lyceum Theatre. The illustration originally appeared in The Illustrated London News, where the reverse side carried a contemporary review of that particular performance, pairing visual documentation with critical commentary.

Subject & Meaning

The scene portrays a dramatic episode from the opera, emphasizing the supernatural atmosphere central to Wagner’s narrative of the cursed sea captain. By reproducing a theatrical tableau, the print conveys both the visual spectacle of the production and the emotional intensity of the music drama.

Technique & Style

Executed as a black‑and‑white print, the image employs line work and shading typical of mid‑19th‑century newspaper illustration. The composition balances detailed architectural elements of the Lyceum stage with expressive figures, reflecting the period’s approach to documenting live performance through reproducible media.

History & Provenance

Published in The Illustrated London News shortly after the Lyceum staging, the print served as a visual record for readers unable to attend. The accompanying review on the verso provides a contemporaneous critical perspective, making the item a dual artifact of visual and textual reportage from the era.

Sailing Boats in a Tempest
Sailing Boats in a Tempest, Schelte Adams Bolswert

Artist & collection

Portrait of D. H. Friston

Artist

D. H. Friston

David Henry Friston (1820–1906) was a British illustrator and figure painter in the Victorian Era.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by D. H. Friston in 14.

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 Impressionism.

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.