Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist W. & D. Downey. It dates from 1896 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph, taken by W.
About this work
This photo shows Ian Robertson in costume as Stephen for *For The Crown* at the Lyceum Theatre. Taken in 1896 by W. & D. Downey, it sits between Impressionism and Realism.
Back then, actors posed for publicity shots called cartes de visite—small prints meant for collecting. This one’s a cabinet card, bigger and sturdier, hugging the late 1800s trend.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum next.
Overview
This photograph, taken by W. & D. Downey in 1896, depicts Ian Robertson as the character Stephen in the play 'For The Crown' at the Lyceum Theatre.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures Ian Robertson in costume, highlighting the theatrical context and the actor's portrayal of a specific role.
Technique & Style
The photograph is a cabinet card, a format that emerged as a successor to the smaller carte de visite, characterized by its larger size and sturdy card backing.
History & Provenance
The photograph was part of a collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, who bequeathed it to the V&A upon his death in 1953, as part of a broader collection of photographic and other ephemera.
Artist & collection
Artist
These sisters turned a London studio into a backstage pass for Victorian theater.
