Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1873 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This is a photograph of Blanche Pierson, an actress, taken in a studio setting.
About this work
Overview
This is a photograph of Blanche Pierson, an actress, taken in a studio setting. The image is part of a larger collection of photographs.
Subject & Meaning
The photograph depicts Blanche Pierson in formal attire, a typical pose for studio portraits of actors and actresses during the Victorian era. The image was likely intended for distribution as a 'carte de visite', a popular format for sharing celebrity likenesses.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an albumen print made from a glass negative, attached to a stiff card backing. This was a standard technique for producing 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards', popular formats for photographic portraits during the 19th century.
History & Provenance
The photograph was collected by Guy Tristram Little, a solicitor and collector of photographs, who bequeathed it to the V&A along with a large collection of 'cartes de visite' and 'cabinet cards'. Little was also the executor of Mrs. Gabrielle Enthoven, whose theatrical collection formed the basis of the Theatre Collections at the V&A.
Artist & collection
