Artwork
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph
Guy Little Theatrical Photograph is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1882 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph depicts Jessie Bond in her role as Iolanthe from the play Iolanthe, performed at the Savoy Theatre.
About this work
The cards were like business cards, but with pictures, and people would collect them.
This photograph shows Jessie Bond dressed as Iolanthe, a character from a play.
It's a studio photo, a common thing for actors back then. They'd get photos taken in costume or regular clothes for special cards.
The cards were like business cards, but with pictures, and people would collect them.
This one is from 1882, a time when photography was still pretty new and exciting.
Check out the technique used here, like impasto is not relevant, but photography techniques are, such as sfumato is not used, but look up the technique of chiaroscuro.
Overview
This photograph depicts Jessie Bond in her role as Iolanthe from the play Iolanthe, performed at the Savoy Theatre. The image is a studio portrait, characteristic of the photographic practice among Victorian actors, who often posed in either theatrical costumes or everyday attire for distribution in various formats.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Jessie Bond, is captured in character as Iolanthe, highlighting the intersection of theatre and photography in Victorian culture. The photograph served as a 'carte de visite', a collectible item facilitating the public's access to and fascination with theatrical personalities.
Technique & Style
The photograph utilizes the albumen print process from a glass negative, mounted on stiff card backing, typical of 'cartes de visite'. While not explicitly employing chiaroscuro, the studio setup likely incorporates controlled lighting to enhance the subject's theatrical presence, reflecting early photographic techniques.
History & Provenance
Dating from 1882, this 'carte de visite' was part of a large collection assembled by Guy Tristram Little, later bequeathed to the V&A. Originally attached to a card with the photographer's details, it was removed and mounted in an album as part of Little's extensive photographic and theatrical ephemera collection.
Context
Created during the heyday of 'cartes de visite' (patented in 1854, popular through the 1860s), this photograph reflects Victorian enthusiasm for collecting images of celebrities, landmarks, and art. It predates the rise of 'cabinet cards' and postcards, which later supplanted this format.
Artist & collection
Domestic Scene
Giacomo and Cardinal Marco, investing Andrea, Abbot of San Zeno, with his Benefice
The Nymph of Fontainebleau
Portrait of a Woman
Madonna and Child with Saints in the Enclosed Garden
Venus and Minerva
Family Group of Four on Sofa
Wall painting from Room H of the Villa of P. Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale
