Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by J. T. Wigney. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. Photograph of Sara Mellon.
About this work
Overview
" Such small portrait cards, introduced in 1854, became widely popular in the 1860s before being replaced by larger "cabinet cards" in the late 1870s.
This photograph by J. T. Wigney from around 1850 depicts actress Sara Mellon and is an albumen print on card, typical of Victorian "cartes de visite." Such small portrait cards, introduced in 1854, became widely popular in the 1860s before being replaced by larger "cabinet cards" in the late 1870s. The image is part of a collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, a solicitor and collector who donated it to the Victoria and Albert Museum in the early 20th century. The albumen process, using glass negatives, was a common method for producing these portable and collectible photographs.
Artist & collection
Artist
J.T. Wigney spent his days dodging portrait gigs at a Sydney theater, where he snapped candid shots of actors between shows. He set up a tripod in the wings and caught performers mid-laugh, mid-sigh, or mid-curse—faces…
