Artwork
J.H. Barnes (1850-1925)
J.H. Barnes (1850-1925) is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company. It dates from 1876 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 1876 photograph of J.
About this work
The London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company ran one of the biggest studios in London.
This photo shows J.H. Barnes from 1876. It’s a small albumen print pasted to card stock. Typical of the day, actors posed for these “cartes de visite” to sell themselves to fans.
The London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company ran one of the biggest studios in London. They cranked out thousands of these pocket-sized portraits in the 1860s.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum to see this card and other Victorian photo cards.
Overview
This 1876 photograph of J.H. Barnes is an albumen print mounted on card stock, characteristic of the 'cartes de visite' format popular during the Victorian era.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts J.H. Barnes, an actor of the time, posed in a typical studio setting. Such 'cartes de visite' served as promotional tools for actors to distribute to fans.
Technique & Style
The image is an albumen print, a common technique of the period, produced from a glass negative and adhered to stiff card backing, in this case, without the original photographer's card backing preserved.
History & Provenance
Originally part of a large collection of 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards' compiled by collector Guy Tristram Little, the photograph was later bequeathed to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) as part of Little's estate.
Context
Created during the heyday of 'cartes de visite' (1854-1870s), this photograph reflects the Victorian fascination with novelty photography, with studios like the London Stereoscopic and Photographic Company mass-producing such portraits.
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.
