Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Bordonneau. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph depicts an unidentified 19th-century actor in a studio setting, produced for distribution as a 'carte de visite'.
About this work
The card’s small size and card backing show it was a “carte de visite”—a popular Victorian trend.
This photograph captures an actor in the 19th century. It’s a studio shot, meant for fans or collectors. The card’s small size and card backing show it was a “carte de visite”—a popular Victorian trend.
People back then loved collecting these tiny portraits. They’d fill albums with actors, places, and art. By the 1870s, bigger “cabinet cards” took over.
See more Victorian actor photos at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This photograph depicts an unidentified 19th-century actor in a studio setting, produced for distribution as a 'carte de visite'. The format, characterized by a small albumen print on glass negatives mounted on stiff card, was popular during the Victorian era.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is an actor in theatrical attire, though the specific role or play is not identified. The image served as a collectible for fans and enthusiasts, reflecting the Victorian public's interest in theatrical personalities.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print from a glass negative, adhered to a card backing. The studio setting and formal pose are typical of 'carte de visite' portraits, prioritizing clarity and likeness over creative composition.
History & Provenance
The photograph was part of a large collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, a collector and solicitor, who bequeathed it to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) upon his death in 1953.
Context
Created during the 1860s, when 'cartes de visite' were at the height of their popularity, this photograph represents a widespread Victorian phenomenon of collecting miniature portraits of celebrities, landmarks, and artworks.
Legacy
As part of the V&A's Theatre Collections, founded in part through Guy Little's and Gabrielle Enthoven's contributions, the photograph contributes to the historical record of 19th-century theatrical culture and the evolution of photographic practices.
Artist & collection
Artist
