Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Adolphe Beau. It dates from 1861 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph depicts Charles Fechter portraying Hamlet at the Princess' Theatre, captured by an unknown photographer.
About this work
Overview
This photograph depicts Charles Fechter portraying Hamlet at the Princess' Theatre, captured by an unknown photographer. It is part of a collection of theatrical 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards' compiled by Guy Little.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Charles Fechter as Hamlet, highlighting the intersection of photography and theatre in Victorian England. Such images catered to the public's desire for glimpses into theatrical personalities and characters.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print from a glass negative, mounted on stiff card backing, characteristic of 'cartes de visite' (patented 1854) and later 'cabinet cards', reflecting mid-to-late 19th-century photographic technology.
History & Provenance
Originally part of Guy Little's collection, which he bequeathed to the V&A. Little, a collector and solicitor, assembled these from removed 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards', now integral to the V&A's Theatre Collections.
Context
Created during photography's emergence in Victorian society, when collecting theatrical portraits on 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards' was a popular fad, especially in the 1860s and 1870s.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adolphe Beau spent his days behind a camera, capturing performers mid-gesture before they stepped offstage.
