Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist W. & D. Downey. It dates from 1887 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph depicts Zélia Trebelli as Carmen, taken by W.
About this work
Actors posed for photos like this on stiff cards called “cartes de visite.
This photo shows Zélia Trebelli as Carmen in a 1887 theater role.
It was taken by W. & D. Downey in London at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
The picture is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum collection.
Actors posed for photos like this on stiff cards called “cartes de visite.”
Later, bigger “cabinet cards” replaced them by the late 1870s.
This image used the older albumen print method on glass negatives.
Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This photograph depicts Zélia Trebelli as Carmen, taken by W. & D. Downey in London at Her Majesty's Theatre in 1887. It is a theatrical portrait from the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures Zélia Trebelli in her role as Carmen, a character from the opera of the same name. The photograph was likely used to promote the performance or as a keepsake for fans.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print made from a glass negative, a common technique during the Victorian era. It was originally mounted on stiff card, characteristic of 'cartes de visite' or 'cabinet cards', formats popular for collecting portraits and other images.
History & Provenance
The photograph was collected by Guy Tristram Little, a solicitor and collector, who bequeathed it to the V&A as part of a large collection of 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards'. Little was also involved in the establishment of the Theatre Collections at the V&A through his work with Mrs. Gabrielle Enthoven.
Artist & collection
Artist
These sisters turned a London studio into a backstage pass for Victorian theater.
