Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Best. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This photograph is titled Guy Little Theatrical Photograph. It's a work from the late 19th century.
The photograph shows Jean Mounet-Sully as Oedipe in Oedipe Roi. Photography was a new development back then, and actors often had studio photos taken for 'cartes de visite' or 'cabinet cards'.
To learn more about the artist behind this work, look up the artist: Best.
Overview
This late 19th-century photograph, titled 'Guy Little Theatrical Photograph', depicts Jean Mounet-Sully in the role of Oedipe from the play 'Oedipe Roi'. It is part of a collection of theatrical photographs once mounted in albums by collector Guy Tristram Little.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph captures Jean Mounet-Sully's portrayal of Oedipe, highlighting the intersection of theatre and early photography. The image served as a 'carte de visite' or 'cabinet card', popular formats for collecting theatrical personalities during the Victorian era.
Technique & Style
Created using the albumen print process from a glass negative, the photograph is characteristic of its time. It would have been attached to a stiff card backing with the photographer's name printed on it, though this example has been removed from its original backing.
History & Provenance
The photograph was collected by Guy Tristram Little, a solicitor and collector of various ephemera, who bequeathed his collection to the V&A. It originally formed part of an album collection before being mounted separately.
Context
Emerging during a period when photography was a novel technology, such images catered to the Victorian public's fascination with both theatre and photographic portraiture, facilitating the collection and admiration of theatrical figures.
Artist & collection
Artist
This photographer had a knack for turning theater backstage into art—posing actors mid-change, caught between roles and real life.
