Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Thomas Houseworth. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph is a portrait of Lillian Russell, a prominent actress of the late 19th century.
About this work
Overview
This photograph is a portrait of Lillian Russell, a prominent actress of the late 19th century. It is an example of a type of photographic print mounted on card stock, a format popular during the Victorian era.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph depicts Lillian Russell, a well-known actress of the time. Such portraits were used by actors to promote themselves to fans and maintain their public image.
Technique & Style
The photograph was taken by Thomas Houseworth in his studio and printed on thick card stock. It is likely either a 'carte de visite' or a 'cabinet card', both albumen prints made from glass negatives, which were common formats for photographic portraits during the late 19th century.
History & Provenance
This 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. Little's collection included various types of photographs and other ephemera.
Artist & collection
Artist
We don’t know much about Thomas Houseworth—no exact birth or death dates, no grand biographies.
