Henry Irving as King Lear, John Bernard Partridge, early 20th Century

John Bernard PartridgeStorbritannien, 1861–1945

Henry Irving as King Lear

early 20th Century · Drawing · 35.7 × 22.4 cm

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Victoria and Albert Museum

London, Storbritannien

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Kontrolleret: for 13 dage siden
Uændret siden: 25. sep. 2026
Kilde: Museet

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Om værket

Bernard Partridge (1861-1945) was a painter and illustrator who became the principal cartoonist of Punch magazine. He acted at the Lyceum in his youth, using the name Bernard Gould, and made many drawings of Irving, some which appeared in the theatre's souvenir programmes. His work has provided both a record of costumes and scenery and of the dramatic effect of Irving's performances.

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This image shows the actor Henry Irving (1838-1905) in the title role of King Lear by William Shakespeare (1564-1616). Lear is one of the most important parts to play for any tragic actor of high standing. Irving had first discussed doing so in 1883 and eventually produced the play in 1892. Accounts of his performance vary, but many who saw the opening night felt he had badly misjudged the vocal interpretation, his voice being weak and often inaudible. Although he made adjustments to correct this, the dramatic criticism of the press was based on the first performance. Despite this, King Lear ran for 76 performances, an unprecedented achievement at the time for a play which was not popular with audiences on account of its gloomy and depressing themes.

Victoria and Albert Museum