Theatre and Opera

One of the largest categories in Disdéri’s catalogue issued in March 1861 is that for ‘Artistes dramatiques,' which includes actors, singers and dancers. This section covers almost six pages and runs to nearly one hundred and fifty sitters. About one hundred of the actors and singers – but not the dancers - can be seen in this collage.

Gustave Roger, Pauline Viardot Garcia, Gilbert Duprez, Marietta Alboni, Giovanni Mario and Pauline Lauters-Guéymard all appear in the top row of the image. Giulia Grisi, Rosine Penco and Enrico Tamberlick can be seen in the next row down, and in the row below them, Marie Sasse and Constance Nantier-Didiée. Among those who can easily be picked out lower down in the image are Barbara and Carlotta Marchisio and, one row from the bottom, the Lionnet brothers.