Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
1879
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1879
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a 1879 photographic by Unknown, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.
You see a black and white photo of an actor in costume. He’s in a dark coat with a white beard and a frown. One hand clutches a book. His other hand rests on a table covered in papers. This shot was taken in 1879. Back then, photos like this were new. People loved collecting them, like trading cards. They showed actors on stage or in character. It’s part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection.
This sepia photograph depicts Henry Irving in the role of Shylock from *The Merchant of Venice*, staged at the Lyceum Theatre. Produced in the late 19th century, the image is an albumen print on card backing, typical of the "cartes de visite" format popular at the time. It was part of a larger collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, who later donated it to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The photograph reflects the Victorian era's interest in theatrical portraiture and advances in photography.
Read the full account in the museum source.
Your cart is empty
Explore artworks →
