Artwork
A portrait of Leon Gambetta
A portrait of Leon Gambetta is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company. It dates from 1870 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This black-and-white photograph is a head-and-shoulders portrait of Léon Gambetta, a French politician.
About this work
This is a black-and-white portrait of a man in a suit and bow tie. His hair is wavy, and he has a full beard. A small flower pin is on his jacket lapel.
The photo was taken in 1870, and the name "M. Gambetta" is written below, along with "Member of the Provisional Government."
Check out the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company for more on how early photos like this were made.
Overview
This black-and-white photograph is a head-and-shoulders portrait of Léon Gambetta, a French politician.
Subject & Meaning
Gambetta is depicted in right-side profile, wearing a suit and bow tie, with a flower pinned to his lapel. The image captures his wavy hair and full beard. The photograph is annotated with his name and title, 'Member of the Provisional Government'.
Technique & Style
The photograph was produced by the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company, a firm known for its early photographic techniques. It is a carte-de-visite, a format popular in the 19th century.
History & Provenance
The photograph was taken in 1870. It later became part of the Windsor Collection at Windsor Castle, where it was noted by Royal Librarian Owen Morshead.
Artist & collection
Artist
London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company
They snapped portraits for London’s theater crowd in the 1800s, turning actors and dancers into instant celebrities.
