Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photographs
Guy Little Theatrical Photographs is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1885 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph depicts Nellie Farren, an actress, in a theatrical costume.
About this work
Overview
This photograph depicts Nellie Farren, an actress, in a theatrical costume. It is one of many images collected by Guy Tristram Little, a solicitor and collector, and later bequeathed to the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph shows Nellie Farren posing in a studio setting, wearing a theatrical costume. As a portrait of an actress, it captures her character or role, reflecting the practice of actors having studio photographs taken in costume.
Technique & Style
The image is a type of photograph known as a 'carte de visite', a small albumen print made from a glass negative and originally mounted on card. This format was popular during the Victorian era for collecting portraits of notable figures, including actors and actresses.
History & Provenance
The photograph was collected by Guy Tristram Little, a partner in the law firm Messrs Milles Jennings White & Foster, and executor of Mrs. Gabrielle Enthoven's estate, which contributed to the V&A's Theatre Collections. Little bequeathed his collection of photographs to the V&A upon his death in 1953.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
