Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Gladwell. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 19th-century photograph depicts actor John Ryder in a theatrical portrait, produced for fan consumption.
About this work
Overview
This 19th-century photograph depicts actor John Ryder in a theatrical portrait, produced for fan consumption. The image is an albumen print mounted on stiff card, characteristic of popular collectible formats during the Victorian era.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, John Ryder, is presented in a theatrical context, suggesting the photograph's intention was to capture his stage persona for admirers. Such portraits catered to the public's growing interest in celebrity culture.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print, a prevalent technique at the time, utilizing glass negatives. Its mounting on stiff card aligns with the 'cartes de visite' or possibly the later 'cabinet card' format, though the exact type is not specified.
History & Provenance
The photograph is part of a large collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, a collector of various ephemera, who bequeathed it to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). Little's connection to the theatre world, including his role with Mrs. Gabrielle Enthoven, facilitated the collection's significance.
Context
Created during the Victorian era when photography was a novel technology, this piece reflects the era's fascination with the medium. It also highlights the burgeoning practice of collecting celebrity images, a trend fueled by the patenting of 'cartes de visite' in 1854.
Artist & collection
Artist
