Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Mayer et Pierson. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
The picture was sold as a "carte de visite," a small albumen print meant for fans to collect.
This photo shows Mlle Daubray, an actress from the 19th century. It was taken by Mayer et Pierson, a well-known Paris studio. The picture was sold as a "carte de visite," a small albumen print meant for fans to collect.
These photos helped actors stay famous between shows. People pasted them in scrapbooks like trading cards today. Later, bigger "cabinet cards" replaced them.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This 19th-century photograph features Mlle Daubray, a French actress, captured by the Parisian studio Mayer et Pierson. It is an example of a 'carte de visite', a small albumen print mounted on card, popular among theatre enthusiasts for collecting.
Subject & Meaning
The image portrays Mlle Daubray, likely in a theatrical context, highlighting her role or character. Such photographs served as a means for actors to maintain their public presence between performances.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print, a common technique for 'cartes de visite', made from a glass negative. The format was characteristic of the period, with the image attached to a card backing, although the backing has been removed in this case.
History & Provenance
The 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 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards', which he mounted in albums.
Context
During the Victorian era, photography became a popular means for actors and actresses to promote themselves. 'Cartes de visite' and later 'cabinet cards' were formats that gained widespread popularity among collectors and fans, serving as a precursor to modern celebrity culture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Mayer & Pierson ran a Paris photo studio where actors slipped into costumes between takes and posed for keepsakes.
