-
Print
Brandard, John - Enlarge image
- Place of origin:
London, England (published)
- Date:
ca. 1840 (made)
- Artist/Maker:
Brandard, John (designer)
M. & N. Hanhart (printer)
S. Chappell & Co. (publisher) - Materials and Techniques:
Colour lithograph, ink on paper
- Credit Line:
Given by H.C. Andrews
- Museum number:
E.2452-1914
- Gallery location:
Prints & Drawings Study Room, level C, case WM, shelf 14, box A
Object Type
This is a music sheet cover with a portrait of the young Queen Victoria, printed by colour lithography.
Historical Association
The popularity of the young Queen Victoria coincided with a period when large numbers of illustrated music sheets were being published. There were therefore many with images of the Queen and, after her marriage in 1840, of Prince Albert, either as portraits or at particular events.
People
John Brandard was one of the leading artists illustrating music sheet covers during this early period of colour lithography. Brandard was renowned for his great technical skill and ability to convey delicate colours, in particular in his portraiture. He was also remarkably prolific.
Ownership & Use
The popularity of sheet music was partly due to the increase in domestic ownership of pianos, particularly after the introduction of upright pianos in about 1827. 'Pianomania' apparently began to spread among the middle-income levels of society during the 1840s, providing a market for the relatively expensive sheet music. The example here cost 4/-.
