Artwork

Print Collection

Print Collection, by Unknown, 1899
Print Collection, by Unknown, 1899

Print Collection is a print by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1899 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

You can learn more about this kind of art by looking into the technique: sfumato.

This print shows a man's head and shoulders.
He's dressed in old-fashioned clothes.
The man is Henry Irving, an actor, playing Robespierre, a historical figure.

This play was written for Irving by Victorien Sardou.
It was about the French Revolution and performed in 1899.
The play's context is interesting because it was inspired by real events.

You can learn more about this kind of art by looking into the technique: sfumato.

Overview

This print depicts Henry Irving in the role of Robespierre, a historical figure from the French Revolution, in a play specifically written for Irving by Victorien Sardou.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is Henry Irving portraying Robespierre, referencing Sardou's play inspired by the French Revolution's events, highlighting the intersection of theatre and historical themes.

Technique & Style

The print features a head-and-shoulders composition with old-fashioned attire, potentially employing subtle shading techniques, such as sfumato, to capture the subject's likeness.

History & Provenance

Produced in conjunction with the 1899 Lyceum Theatre production, the print's origins are tied to this specific theatrical event, with no detailed provenance provided beyond its creation context.

Context

Created for a late 19th-century theatrical production, the print reflects the era's interest in historical dramas and the popularity of Irving and Sardou's collaborative works.

Legacy

While the print's individual legacy is not specified, it contributes to the broader historical record of Irving's performances and Sardou's plays, offering insight into late 19th-century theatre.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known