Faust
1886
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1886
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Faust is a 1886 by Phil May, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
This print shows a stage moment from an 1885–88 production of *Faust*. Phil May made it in colour, joining Impressionism and Realism. It captures Irving as Mephistopheles in the Lyceum Theatre run. The cast change paid off—once George Alexander took the role of Faust, the show ran three straight years and launched his career. Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.
The colour print depicts Henry Irving in the role of Mephistopheles during a Lyceum Theatre production of *Faust* between 1885 and 1888, featuring Ellen Terry as Margaret and George Alexander as Faust. Signed by Phil May, the print employs a red and black sketch effect to convey Irving’s portrayal. The production, which ran for three years, contributed to Alexander’s rise in mainstream theatre and Irving’s tenure as Actor-Manager.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Phil May sketched everyday life in ink and watercolor, often catching people in motion—like the riders on *The Omnibus Boat on a calm day* or the quiet scene in *With the naked eye*.
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