Artwork
H Beard Print Collection
H Beard Print Collection is a print by W.H. Wontner. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This print is part of the H Beard Print Collection and depicts a scene from Beethoven's opera Fidelio.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows Maria Malibran, a renowned opera singer, in character on stage. The image captures a moment of the performance, focusing on the singer rather than the overall scene.
Technique & Style
The print was created from an original drawing by W.H. Wontner, which was then engraved by W. Sharpe for publication by Cookes & Ollivier. The result is a snapshot-like representation of the opera star in character.
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Artist & collection
Artist
W.H. Wontner spent his days sketching London’s streets so precisely you can still spot the gas lamps and cobbles in his prints 150 years later. He built tiny stage sets in his studio, then lit them like mini theaters,…
