Artwork

H Beard Print Collection

H Beard Print Collection, by Unknown, 20
H Beard Print Collection, by Unknown, 20

H Beard Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 20 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

This print shows writer William Makepeace Thackeray, three-quarter view, glasses on, holding papers.

This print shows writer William Makepeace Thackeray, three-quarter view, glasses on, holding papers.
It’s a newspaper sketch from 1855, clipped and saved by collector H Beard.
The paper, the Illustrated Times, ran a short bio of Thackeray right beside it.

This tiny portrait tells us what writers looked like in the 1800s.
It’s not fancy art—just ink on cheap paper meant to go in a daily paper.

Next time you’re in London, look for Thackeray’s actual letters at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This print is a newspaper clipping from the Illustrated Times (1855), featuring a sketch of the renowned English author William Makepeace Thackeray in a three-quarter view, depicted with glasses and holding a sheaf of papers.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, William Makepeace Thackeray (1811-1863), is portrayed in attire typical of a 19th-century writer, providing a glimpse into the era's literary figure aesthetics. The accompanying article (not the print itself) outlines his life and career.

Technique & Style

Executed in ink on low-quality paper, the print reflects the utilitarian nature of daily newspaper illustrations, prioritizing accessibility over artistic finesse.

History & Provenance

Clipped and preserved by collector H Beard, this print is part of the H Beard Print Collection, with its original context being the Illustrated Times.

Context

While the print itself does not directly relate to Thackeray's manuscripts, his original letters are housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, offering a tangible connection to his work.

Legacy

This humble print serves as a historical artifact, illustrating the everyday representation of literary figures in 19th-century media, rather than a piece of fine art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known