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Title

Madame Helena Modjeska

circa 1891

Artist

Boning and Small

England

  • Details

    Date
    circa 1891
    Media category
    Photograph
    Materials used
    albumen photograph, cabinet card
    Dimensions
    13.9 x 9.9 cm image/sheet
    Credit
    Accessioned 2005
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    363.2005
    Copyright

    Reproduction requests

    Artist information
    Boning and Small

    Works in the collection

    1

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  • About

    Cabinet cards were wildly popular during the 1870s and 80s. They superseded the carte-de-visite because they were larger and as a result presented more detail. Boning and Small had a studio at Baker Street London from 1879-95, opening a second studio on the same street in 1891.

    This image of Madame Helena Modjeska is typical of the style of studio portraits that were popular. Considered one of Poland's greatest actresses, Modjeska was internationally renowned and toured extensively, performing in London and in New York, where she was celebrated for her interpretation of Shakespeare's leading female characters.