Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company. It dates from 1891 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph depicts Juliette Nesville as Miss Decima, a character in a theatrical production.
About this work
It’s part of a larger batch of actor portraits made by the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company.
This photo shows Juliette Nesville as Miss Decima in a 1891 play. It’s part of a larger batch of actor portraits made by the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company. You can find it today at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
It’s one of many “cabinet cards” used to promote stars and sell photos. These thicker cards replaced earlier “cartes de visite” and became big business in the 1880s.
Want to dig deeper? Look up the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company.
Overview
This photograph depicts Juliette Nesville as Miss Decima, a character in a theatrical production. It is a cabinet card, a type of photographic print mounted on cardstock, created by the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures Juliette Nesville in her role as Miss Decima, likely from a 1891 performance. It was part of a practice where actors had their portraits taken in costume to promote their work and gain popularity.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print, a common method during the Victorian era, made from a glass negative and mounted on cardstock. Cabinet cards, like this one, were larger and more durable than their predecessors, cartes de visite, and were popular in the late 19th century.
History & Provenance
This cabinet card is part of a 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, which he mounted in albums.
Context
The production of cabinet cards was a significant industry in the late 19th century, with companies like the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company producing numerous portraits of actors and actresses. These cards were used to promote theatrical stars and were collected by fans.
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.
