Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
1864
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1864
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
This photo shows Adah Isaacs Menken posing as Mazeppa on stage in 1864. She rides a fake horse in a dramatic, low-cut costume meant to shock the audience. The outfit shows off her legs, which was rare for women on stage then. The photo was taken by Guy Little, a popular photographer who sold souvenir cards. These small prints cost little but let fans remember their favorite actors. People collected them like today’s trading cards. Look for more photos of Menken at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
