Artwork
Henry IV, Reproving Prince Henry
Henry IV, Reproving Prince Henry is a print by Robert Smirke. It is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This nineteenth‑century print captures a moment from Part 2 of Shakespeare’s play King Henry IV, focusing on the episode in which King Henry rebukes his son, Prince Henry. The work translates a specific theatrical scene into a visual format, offering a snapshot of the drama’s narrative.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on the monarch’s admonishment of his heir, a pivotal exchange that highlights themes of authority, filial duty, and the tension between personal desire and royal responsibility. By isolating this confrontation, the print underscores the moral and political stakes inherent in the play’s storyline.
Technique & Style
Executed as a print, the image employs line work and tonal contrasts typical of nineteenth‑century graphic reproduction. The artist’s handling of figure placement and gesture conveys the emotional intensity of the dialogue while maintaining the clarity required for mass‑produced prints of the era.
History & Provenance
Created in the 1800s, the print reflects the Victorian fascination with Shakespearean subjects, a period when literary scenes were frequently rendered for both educational and decorative purposes. Its provenance includes circulation among collectors of theatrical memorabilia and inclusion in museum collections such as the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Robert Smirke (15 April 1753 – 5 January 1845) was an English painter and illustrator, specialising in small paintings showing subjects taken from literature. He was a member of the Royal Academy.
Hôtel de Ville, Place des Terreaux, Lyons
Patriotic Fund
An Allegory of Britain's Mercantile Power
An Allegory of Britain's Naval Might
Melinda and Lucy Consult Kite (from George Farquhar's 'The Recruiting Officer', Act IV, Scene 2)
Illustration from Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher's 'The Humorous Lieutenant' (Act III, Scene 3)
The Duel (from Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher's 'The Humorous Lieutenant', Act III, Scene 3)
H Beard Print Collection
