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Guy Little Theatrical Photograph

Elliott & Fry

1885

photographic

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a 1885 photographic by Elliott & Fry, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Elliott & Fry
When & what style?: 1885 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This photograph shows Frank Wyatt as Ravennes in Erminie at the Comedy Theatre. It was taken by Elliott & Fry in November 1885. The photo is an example of a 'carte de visite', a type of photograph that was popular during the Victorian era. People collected these photos, which featured various subjects, including actors in costume. You can learn more about this type of photography at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The story of this work

Overview

A sepia photograph from 1885 depicts Frank Wyatt in character as Ravennes, a thief, in the production *Erminie* at the Comedy Theatre. The image is an albumen print affixed to a card backing, typical of the "cabinet card" format popular in the late 19th century. It was part of a larger collection of theatrical photographs assembled by Guy Tristram Little, later donated to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The photograph reflects the Victorian practice of documenting stage performances through portable studio portraits.

Read the full account in the museum source.