Photographs of Actors and Performers

By the second half of the nineteenth century, photography was firmly established as the portrait medium of choice. Images were routinely made of politicians, businessmen, and families. Performers quickly realized they could promote their work with photographs and sat for many images of themselves in costume or in elegant evening attire. These images were sold by photographers to the general public. At first, performers photographs were sold in the cartes-de-visite format but these were later replaced by cabinet photographs.

Cabinet photographs, also known as cabinet cards, rose in popularity in America after the Civil War. The cabinet photograph, at a standard 6 ½ inches x 4 ¼ inches (16.5 x 11 cm), was larger than the earlier cartes-de-visite (4 ½" x 2 ½" or 11 x 6 cm), and allowed photographers to produce prints with more detail or more figures. Beginning around 1866 cabinet cards were offered in most urban areas and within twenty years they had almost entirely replaced the cartes-de-visite as the most popular format for commercial photography.

Cabinet cards are usually thin albumen photographs mounted on heavy Bristol board or press board and feature the name and address of the photograph printed on the card. Elaborate borders and gilt edges were also used. The cards were too large and heavy for photograph albums, and were meant for display as individual objects. In fact, the term cabinet photograph may have developed from the Victorian practice of displaying the cards on small easels and stands atop fancy parlor cabinets.

The Society's collection of cabinet cards of actors and performers includes portraits of opera singers, actors, psychics, and musicians. Images of internationally known figures such as Sarah Berhnard (1844-1923) are housed along with local celebrities such as the actress Mrs. Mary Vincent (1818-1887), who for many years performed dramas and comedies at the Boston Museum Theater. There are additional images of performers included in the cartes-de-visite collection and in the portrait photograph collection.

Access

This collection inventory was compiled by Debbie Klein, 2006.

A

  • ABBOT, Emma, [singer, 1850-91]
  • ADAMS, Maude, [1872-1953]
  • AIMEE?, Marie [attributed, 1852-1887, Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.]
  • ALBANI, Mlle., [opera singer, 1847-1930, Marie Louise Cecilia Emma Lajuenesse, Mrs. Ernest Gye],
  • AMES, Annie Louise, [actress], bust
  • AMES, Annie Louise, [actress,], seated, three-quarter view
  • ANDERSON, Mary, [actress, 1859-1940], in costume
  • ANDERSON, Mary, [actress, 1859-1940],bust
  • ANDERSON, Mary, [actress, 1859-1940], full-length, with background, annotated in mss. on verso: Juliet
  • ARNOLD, LOIS as "Teddy" in "A Noble Rogue", August - September 1888, Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.

 

B

  • BALDWIN, Mrs. Kittie, Rosicucian Somnomist [mentalist, psychic, fl.1890-1900]
  • BALDWIN, Prof. S.S., The White Mahatma [mentalist, telepathy, fl.1890-1900]
  • BANCROFT, HELEN, May 1, 1886. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • BASSETT, Charles [tenor, fl. 1885-1890], Chicago, February 28, 1890. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • BATTEL, Samuel S.
  • BEAUFORT, Grace, [Mrs. Frank Lister, actress, d.1896 at age 27]
  • BEEBE, Henrietta, [soprano b. 1844]
  • BELDEN, Miss
  • BELL, Digby, [actor, 1851-1917], in suit, with blond hair
  • BELL, Digby, [actor, 1851-1917], in costume, with scenic background
  • BELLINI, Laura, San Francisco, January 1, 1883, Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • BELOCCA, Anna de, [soprano, b. 1854], Chicago, November 1879. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • BERHNARD, Sarah [actress, 1844-1923]
  • BLANCKE, Kate [British, 1860-1942]. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • BOOTH, Edwin Thomas [actor, 1833-1893]
  • BURRELL, Marie [sic], March 7, 1890. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • BRYANT, Margret

 

C

  • CARY, [Annie Louise, Mrs. Charles M. Raymond, grand opera contralto, 1842-1921], annotated in mss. on verso: "Cary-Ouida"
  • CARY, Annie Louise, [Mrs. Charles M. Raymond, grand opera contralto, 1842-1921], profile
  • CASTLETON, Kate, [d.1892, British musical comedy performer] bust, in costume, annotated in mss. On
    verso: Patience
  • CASTLETON, Kate, , [d.1892, British musical comedy performer] full length, with background
  • CLAXTON, Kate, [actress, 1848-1924], bust with hair down
  • CLAXTON, Kate, [actress, 1848-1924], in costume, snow scene
  • COGHLAN, Rose, [English actress, daughter of journalist Francis Coghlan, 1851-1932], three-quarter length, in riding habit
  • COGHLAN, Rose, [English actress, daughter of journalist Francis Coghlan, 1851-1932, dressed in costume as Lady Teazle
  • COGHLAN, Rose, , [English actress, daughter of journalist Francis Coghlan, 1851-1932], three-quarter length, in costume, smiling
  • CRABTREE, Lotta, [Charlotte Crabtree, singer, dancer, and musician (banjo), 1847-1924], seated, in evening dress
  • CRABTREE, Lotta, [Charlotte Crabtree, singer, dancer, and musician (banjo), 1847-1924], in costume as a man
  • CRISP, Harry
  • CUSHMAN, Charlotte, [dramatic actress, 1816-76]
  • CUSHMAN, Pauline, [actress, 1833-1893]

 

D

  • DAINTY, Laura E., annotated in mss. on front, "Most sincerely yours Laura E. Dainty, Dec. 12, 1881"
  • D'ARVILLE, Camille, [1863-1932]
  • DAVENPORT, Fanny, [actress, 1850-1898], bust
  • DAVENPORT, Fanny, [actress, 1850-1898] , waist length in costume
  • DELARO, Hattie, [singer, fl. c. 1901]
  • DELARO, Selina, [singer, head of an opera burlesque company]
  • DICKENSON, Annie, [actress, lecturer, dramatist, 1842-1932]
  • DIXEY, Harry, [actor, 1859-1943], full-length in costume, annotated in mss. on image: "Dixey Adonis"
  • DIXEY, Harry, [actor, 1859-1943], three-quarter, in costume as a judge
  • DIXEY, Harry, [actor, 1859-1943], bust, in street clothes

 

E

  • ELLERTON, Clara
  • ELLSER, Effie, [1855-1942, daughter of actors/managers John A. Ellsler and Mrs. Effie Ellsler], annotated in mss. verso: "Hazel Kirke"
  • EVESSON, Isabelle, actress, 1863-1914

 

F

  • FLORENCE, Katherine
  • FORREST, Edwin, actor, 1806-1872, close bust
  • FORREST, Edwin, actor, 1806-1872 , bust
  • FORTESQUE, Miss [May, real name Emily May Finney, English singer/actress, b. Feb 6 or 9, 1862, d. Sep 2, 1950, began career with D.Oyly Carte Opera Co.]
  • FOX, Della, 1872-1913
  • FOY sisters [Bertha and Ida, fl. 1875-1876]
  • FRAYNE, Evelina

 

G

  • GIBBONS, Mary
  • GILBERT and Sullivan: Souvenir, "Three Little Maids" as presented in Gilbert & Sullivan's Opera "Mikado"
  • GLENN, Hope
  • GRAHAM, Miss
  • GRANGER, Maud, [actress, ca.1851-1928]
  • GRUBB, Lillian, [nee Amelia Tubbs, b.1890]

 

H

  • HADING, Jane, [French, born Jeanne Alftedine Trefouret, 1859-1933]. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • HADSELL, Grace. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • HAMLIN, Bessie
  • HALL, Pauline, [actress, 2/26/1860-12/29/1919]
  • HARTREIDER, Helene, 1886. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • HAUCK, Minnie, [opera singer, soprano, 1852-1929], annotated in mss. on verso: bridal dress from Carmen
  • HAUCK, Minnie, [opera singer, soprano, 1852-1929]
  • HENSCHEL, George, [English baritone, composer, conductor, 1850-1934]
  • HENSCHEL, George, [English baritone, composer, conductor, 1850-1934], with unidentified woman
  • HOFMANN, Josio [Joseph, child prodigy and pianist, 1876-1957], 1888. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • HOPPER, Edna Wallace, 1874-1959. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • HOWE, Marie
  • HOWITT, Belle

 

I

  • IRVING, Henry, [English actor, 1838-1905]

 

J

  • JANIS, Elsie, [actress, 1889-1956]
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], bust
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], bust, oval format
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as young Rip van Winkle, sitting on table with glass in right hand
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as young Rip van Winkle, sitting forward on table with glass in left hand
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as young Rip van Winkle, leaning back on table with glass in left hand raised in a toast
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as young Rip van Winkle, leaning back on table with glass in left hand raised in a toast
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as young Rip van Winkle, holding rifle, with hand resting on knee
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as young Rip van Winkle, holding rifle,with both hands on stock
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as old Rip van Winkle, looking to left, shading his eyes
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as old Rip van Winkle, seated on rock, looking down
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as old Rip van Winkle, half-length, looking up with hands to head
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as old Rip van Winkle, half-length, looking up with hands to head
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as old Rip van Winkle, seated at table, looking to left
  • JEFFERSON, Joe, [actor, 1829-1905], as Caleb Plummer
  • JEWETT, Sara

 

K

  • KELLOGG, Clara Louise, [opera singer, soprano, 1842-1916], seated in evening dress
  • KELLOGG, Clara Louise, [opera singer, soprano, 1842-1916], standing in day dress
  • KELLOGG, Clara Louise, [opera singer, soprano, 1842-1916], standing, chin on hand
  • KELLOGG, Clara Louise, [opera singer, soprano, 1842-1916], in dark dress, pillar at left
  • KELLOGG, Clara Louise, [opera singer, soprano, 1842-1916], stereo card
  • KELLOGG, Clara Louise, [opera singer, soprano, 1842-1916], stereo card, tinted

 

L

  • LACY, Harry
  • LANGTRY, Mrs. [Lillie, actress, 1852-1929], bust, looking at viewer
  • LANGTRY, Mrs. [Lillie, actress, 1852-1929], full length, seated, in Grecian costume
  • LANGTRY, Mrs. [Lillie, actress, 1852-1929], three-quarter view, in 18th century dress
  • LANGTRY, Mrs. [Lillie, actress, 1852-1929], full length, standing, in evening dress annotated in mss. on verso: "As in a looking glass."
  • LANGTRY, Mrs. [Lillie, actress, 1852-1929], three-quarter view, from side, in house dress with apron
  • LANGTRY, Mrs. [Lillie, actress, 1852-1929], three-quarter view, seated, in costume
  • LEE, Amy, [actress, fl. 1870s, specialized in children's roles]
  • LEE, Jennie, [English actress, New York debut: October, 1871]
  • LEWIS, Catherine, annotated in mss. on verso: "La Belle Russe"
  • LIBERTI, Alessandro [cornet player, Italian, 1847-1927]. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • LINGARD, Alice Dunning, [actress and vocalist, 1847-97]
  • LOGAN, Olive [1839-1909]

 

M

  • McCALL, Lizzie, [actress, appeared on the New York stage 1877-1928, also appeared in the 1916 movie "The Other Girl."]
  • McINTYRE, Leila [1881-1953], bust. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • McINTYRE, Leila [1881-1953], 190?. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • MAERTZ, Clara [sic]. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • MANTELL, [Robert Bruce, actor, 1854-1928]
  • MARCY
  • MARTINS, Sadie, annotated in mss. on verso: "Miss Martineau"
  • MATHER, Margaret, [actress and director, 1859-1898], full-length, her back turned, looking over her shoulder, her hair hangs in long braid
  • MATHER, Margaret, [actress and director, 1859-1898], dressed as man in Tudor/Renaissance costume
  • MATHER, Margaret, [actress and director, 1859-98], in costume
  • MATTHEWSON, Charles
  • MAY, Edna [1878-1948], 1905. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • MELVILLE, Emily, [actress, 1851?-1932]
  • MILLER, Agnes with CHESTER, Leslie [actresses]. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • MILLWARD, Jessie [1861-1932], January 1887. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • MILLWARD, Jessie [1861-1932], 1884. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • MINTURN, Robert Shaw
  • MITCHELL, Maggie [Margaret Julia, actress, 1832-1918]
  • MONROE [?], Kate
  • MOORE, Alisa Pritchard. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.

 

N

  • NEILSON, [Adelaide, actress, 1848-80], bust annotated in mss. on verso: "in bridal dress for last scene in As You Like It"
  • NEILSON, Adelaide, [actress, 1848-80], full length, [as Beatrice] in Twelfth Night
  • NEILSON, Miss [Adelaide, actress, 1848-80], head shot in evening dress
  • NILSSON, [Christine, opera singer, 1843-1921], in white evening dress, with hair elaborately dressed
  • NILSSON, [Christine, opera singer, 1843-1921], bust, in hat
  • NILSSON [Christine, opera singer, 1843-1921], bust, in black lace evening dress with pearls
  • NEVADA, Emma, [coloratura, 2/7/1859-6/20/1940, nee Emma Wixom]
  • NORRIS, William, 1901. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.

 

P

  • PALMER, Minnie, [actress and performer, 1857/60-1936]
  • PATTI, Adelina, [Italian soprano, 1843-1919], in bridal dress
  • PATTI, Adelina, [Italian soprano, 1843-1919], in costume: flowered dress and hat
  • PAULLIN, Louise, [1843-1919, annotated in mss. on verso: (Queen's ? illeg.) Lace Handkerchief]
  • PIXLEY, Annie, [actress, 1858-93], bust in hat with pleated brim and tall conical crown
  • PIXLEY, Annie, [actress, 1858-93], in costume with parasol and hat, with castle background
  • POND, Nella Brown, d. 1893
  • POST, Hope [sic]. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • PRESCOTT, Marie, [actress, 1853-93] annotated in mss. on verso: "as Desdemona with Salvini"

 

R

  • RAWLINSON?, Grace [attributed, Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.]
  • REHAN, Ada, [actress, 1860-1916] annotated in mss. on verso: "School"
  • REHAN, Ada, [actress, 1860-1916], bust
  • REHAN, Ada, [actress, 1860-1916], standing in wide brimmed hat.
  • RIVE-KING, Julia, [pianist, 1854-1937], February 27, 1878. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • ROSA, Patti, [d. 1894], in costume, printed on verso: advertisement for her appearance in "Mizpah" by Con. T. Murphy
  • RUSSELL, Annie, [actress, 1864-1936], in costume, with ocean background, annotated in mss. on verso: "Little Emily"
  • RUSSELL, Lillian, [actress, 1861-1922], bust, in bonnet [annotated in mss. on verso: Patience]
  • RUSSELL, Lillian, [actress, 1861-1922], in costume
  • RUSSELL, Lillian, [actress, 1861-1922], in costume as 18th century man
  • RUSSELL, Lillian, [actress, 1861-1922], bust
  • RUSSELL, Lillian, [actress, 1861-1922], head shot in costume, with feathered hat, hand-colored

 

S

  • SALVANI, [Tommaso, Italian tragedian, 1829-1916]
  • SARGENT, [ Joseph Jr. ?], woman with beaded costume
  • SARGENT, [Joseph Jr. [?], woman in tights using axe
  • SEEBACH, Marie [1830-1897]. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • SEMBRICH, [Marcelle, 1858-1935], waist length
  • SEMBRICH, [Marcelle, 1858-1935], full length
  • SIDDONS, Mrs. Scott, [Mary Frances, Mrs. Canter, actress,1844-1890], bust, in Tudor/Renaissance costume
  • SIDDONS, Mrs. Scott, [Mary Frances, Mrs. Canter, actress,1844-1890], bust,in white embroidered evening dress, hair pulled back in curls
  • SIDDONS, Mrs. Scott, [Mary Frances, Mrs. Canter, actress, 1844-1890], profile, hair in braids and curls, in day dress
  • SIDDONS, Mrs. Scott, [Mary Frances, Mrs. Canter, actress,1844-1890], bust, looking over her shoulder, hair in braids and curls, shawl draped around her
  • SIDDONS, Mrs. Scott, [Mary Frances, Mrs. Canter, actress,1844-1890], profile, hair in braids and curls, lace-trimmed dress with cameo
  • SIDDONS, Mary F. Scott, [Mary Frances, Mrs. Canter, actress,1844-1890], in Turkish costume
  • SIMMS, Hattie Louisa, ca. 1883
  • SMITH, Marcus, [1829-874]
  • STEERE, Mr. & Mrs. Col., [midgets in wedding cloths], annotated in mss. on verso: Age 38 yrs., height 45 inc., weight 49 lbs., Mrs. Age 27 years, height 41 inc. Weight 46 lbs
  • STETSON, N. March 1880. [pianist?] Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • STOCKTON, Fanny [opera singer and actress, fl. 1860s]. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • STONE, Marie, [fl. 1889], bust, in costume
  • STONE, Marie, [fl. 1889], in Elizabethan costume, with background

 

T

  • TEARLE, Osmond [?], full length, with soft crowned hat, overcoat, and boots
  • TEARLE, Osmond [?] three-quarter length, in suit with top hat and cane
  • TEMPEST, Marie, [singer and actress, 1864-1942, nee Mary Susan Etherington, later Dame Marie Tempest], annotated in mss. on verso: "The Fencing Master"
  • THEO, [ French actress]
  • THOMPSON, Mrs. Livingstone
  • THOMPSON, Lydia, [actress, 2.19.1836- 11.17.1908] a queen of burlesque
  • THORNE, Chas., [Charles R. Thorne, Jr., 1840-83, annotated in mss. on verso: "Two Orphans"
  • THORPE, Courtenay, February 10, 1886. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • THORPE, Courtenay, December 1886. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • THURSKY, [Emma] 1854-1931

 

U

  • ULMER, Gueldini

 

V

  • VINCENT, Mrs. J.R., [nee Mary Ann Farley, English actress, 1818-87, made her career at the Boston Museum Theater from 1852 until her death in 1887]
  • VOKES, Rosina, [English comedienne, 1854-94, member of Vokes Family]
  • VOKES, Victoria, [1853-94, member f Vokes Family]

 

W

  • WAGNER, Cal
  • WALLACK, J. Lester, 1820-88, [actor and owner of Wallack Theater in New York ], annotated in mss. on verso: "Ours"
  • WACHTEL, Theodor [German tenor, 1823-1893]. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • WEAVER, Blanche [1856-1947, married name later was Baxter], June 24, 1884. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • WILEY, Dora (fl. 1880-1885). Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • WILSON, Francis, 1854-1935.
  • WINAUT, Emily
  • WHITNEY, Myron, [concert singer, bass, 9.5.1836-1910]
  • WOOD, Rose, [1850-1932] in white gown with large mantle, with background, annotated in mss. on verso: B(illeg.)rs
  • WOOD, Rose, [1850-1932], three quarter length, in black dress on sofa, with background
  • WOODWARD, Amy, in costume, with parasol and hat, with castle background annotated in mss. on verso: stage frame "Imogene"

 

Z

  • ZERRAHAN, Carl, 1826-1909, bust in grey coat
  • ZERRAHAN, Carl, 1826-1909, bust in dark coat

 

UNIDENTIFIED

  • UNIDENTIFIED woman, wearing red hat and holding small cane (riding crop?) under chin. Photo by J. Gurney & Son, 707 Broadway, N.Y. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • UNIDENTIFIED woman, posed full length in profile wearing bustled dress and holding fan. She leans on drape covered chair at right. Inscribed on reverse: "Rudersdoorff." Photo by Warren & Heald, 289 Washington St., Boston. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • UNIDENTIFIED woman wearing dark lace head piece and dark dress. She leans on curved arm of sofa at right. Photo by Gentile, S.E. Corner of State & Washington, Chicago. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • UNIDENTIFIED woman, standing full length in dark trimmed dress. Leaning on draped furniture at left. Photo by H. Rocher, 88 N. Clark St., Chicago. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • UNIDENTIFIED woman, seated with parasol, 1878. She wears dark dance shoes and has floppy hat trimmed. Partial inscription upper left, illegible. Inscribed "Dixie" in lower right. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3,
    1996.
  • UNIDENTIFIED woman, bust length wearing lace trimmed hat and off-shoulder gown trimmed with roses. Inscribed in lower right, "Sincerely Yours, [illeg.]", Photo by Hollis & Sons. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • UNIDENTIFIED woman, bust of woman in elaborate, pearl trimmed hat. Illegible, faded inscription. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • UNIDENTIFIED man, wearing dark bow tie, seated and writing on a pad on his knee. Inscription in blue ink across shirt of sitter is illegible. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • UNIDENTIFIED man, older with light eyes, bust length in dark suit, turned slightly left. Inscription in blue ink down left margin is illegible. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
  • UNIDENTIFIED man and woman, comic actors. Both crouching on studio floor acting like monkeys. Inscribed across top: "Do not tease or annoy the monkeys" and in right margin "Deyo, Nov. 22 [year illeg.]" Photograph by Haller, N.Y. Gift of Ruth E. Adomeit, September 3, 1996.
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