Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by G. Mitchell. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This 19th-century photograph depicts the actor Fred Leslie in a studio setting.
About this work
Overview
This 19th-century photograph depicts the actor Fred Leslie in a studio setting. It is an albumen print mounted on card, characteristic of the photographic technology of the time.
Technique & Style
The image is a type of carte de visite, a small, mass-produced photograph popular during the Victorian era. Albumen prints were made from glass negatives and attached to card backing, often bearing the photographer's name.
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. Little's collection included cartes de visite and cabinet cards, which he removed from their original backings and mounted in albums.
Context
During the 1860s, cartes de visite became a fashionable collectible, featuring portraits, scenic views, and works of art. They were later superseded by larger cabinet cards, reflecting changes in photographic technology and consumer preferences.
Artist & collection
Artist
