Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by Bennett. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This is a photograph of Louisa Pyne, an actress, taken during the Victorian era.
About this work
Overview
This is a photograph of Louisa Pyne, an actress, taken during the Victorian era.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print, a common technique used for 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards', which were popular formats for portrait photography at the time.
History & Provenance
The photograph was part of a large collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, a collector and solicitor who bequeathed it to the V&A.
Context
During the Victorian era, actors and actresses commonly had studio photographs taken, often in costume, which were then distributed as 'cartes de visite' or 'cabinet cards'.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bennett spent his days running a London photography studio in the 1880s, where actors would pose for headshots that doubled as calling cards.
