Who painted H Beard Print Collection?

H Beard Print Collection was painted by R. Norman in 11.

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 Romanticism.

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.

Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

R. Norman , 11

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Romanticist artist R. Norman. It dates from 11 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Joseph Grimaldi, the famous clown with white face paint, stands next to an alpaca.

This print shows a scene from a play called The Red Dwarf. Joseph Grimaldi, the famous clown with white face paint, stands next to an alpaca. He holds a man dressed as an Aztec, who wears a bright blue and gold costume.

The print was made in 1813, during the Romanticism movement. It captures a popular pantomime act at London’s Theatre Royal Covent Garden.

Check out more works by the same artist, Norman, R.

Overview

This 1813 print, 'Grimaldi & the Alpaca', captures a scene from the popular pantomime 'The Red Dwarf' at London’s Theatre Royal Covent Garden, featuring Joseph Grimaldi, a renowned clown.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Joseph Grimaldi, identifiable by his white face paint and striped clown costume, alongside a man dressed as an Aztec and an alpaca. Grimaldi holds the Aztec, who in turn leads the alpaca via a floral garland rein attached to Grimaldi’s costume, conveying the theatrical and comedic elements of the pantomime.

Technique & Style

Created during the Romanticism movement, the print employs colour to vividly portray the scene, with notable details including Grimaldi’s costume resembling a bathing suit, the Aztec’s blue and gold attire, and the alpaca’s brown and white fur.

History & Provenance

Produced in 1813, the print documents a specific performance of 'The Red Dwarf' at the Theatre Royal Covent Garden, highlighting its contemporary popularity. The artist is credited as R. Norman.

Context

The print reflects the early 19th-century popularity of pantomimes at prominent London theatres like Covent Garden, with Grimaldi being a central figure in the development of the clown character during this period.

Legacy

As a visual record of a pivotal moment in theatrical history, the print offers insight into the performances and aesthetics of early 19th-century British pantomime, particularly the influence of Joseph Grimaldi.