Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist W.H McFarlane Lith. It dates from 1863 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print commemorates the illumination of Edinburgh Castle on the evening of March 10, 1863, in honor of the Prince of Wales' marriage.
About this work
This print shows Edinburgh Castle lit up at night, glowing against a dark sky.
This print shows Edinburgh Castle lit up at night, glowing against a dark sky. It was made to mark the Prince of Wales’ wedding in 1863. The street below twinkles with gas lamps and crowds.
The artist used lithography to capture the scene’s soft light and busy energy. The print mixes Impressionist brushy touches with Realist detail.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more prints like this.
Overview
This print commemorates the illumination of Edinburgh Castle on the evening of March 10, 1863, in honor of the Prince of Wales' marriage. It depicts the castle aglow against a dark sky, with the street below lit by gas lamps and crowded with onlookers.
Subject & Meaning
The print captures a specific event, showcasing the castle's illumination as a celebratory gesture. The scene conveys a sense of occasion and public festivity, highlighting the castle's prominence and the street's lively atmosphere.
Technique & Style
The artist employed lithography to render the soft light and dynamic energy of the scene. The print blends Impressionist-style loose brushwork with detailed realism, creating a visually engaging representation of the event.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
William H. McFarlane Lith made 19th-century prints in the H Beard Print Collection. His two prints here, one from around 1863, show everyday scenes in crisp black and white. Lithography was the hot new print tech of his…
