European opera singer and actor portrait collection

Access and use

Location of collection:
George Mason University
2400 Fenwick Library
Special Collections Research Center
Fenwick Library MS2FL
George Mason University
Fairfax, VA 22030
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Mieko Palazzo
Phone: (703) 993-2220
Fax: (703) 993-2669
Restrictions:

There are no access restrictions.

Terms of access:

No known copyright. The Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries believes that this collection is not restricted by copyright or related rights, but a conclusive determination could not be made. (See https://rightsstatements.org/page/NKC/1.0/?language=en)

Preferred citation:

European opera singer and actor portrait collection, C0555, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Summary

Extent:
.25 Linear Feet 1 box
Creator:
George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center, Baugniet, Charles, 1814-1886, Desvachez, D. J. (David Joseph), 1822-1902, Durham, Joseph, 1814-1877, Elliott & Fry, Hautecoeur-Martinet (Firm), Imprimerie Lemercier et cie, Johnson, Fry & Co, Lacauchie, Alexandre, Reutlinger, Léopold-Émile, 1863-1937, Riddle & Couchman, and Vogt, Charles, active 1833-1882
Abstract:
A collection of prints and photographs depicting European opera singers and actors from the 18th-20th century.
Language:
French English
Preferred citation:

European opera singer and actor portrait collection, C0555, Special Collections Research Center, George Mason University Libraries

Background

Scope and content:

A collection of prints and photographs depicting European opera singers and actors from the 18th-20th century. A total of eighteen different individuals are depicted in the prints, with three depicting opera singer Jenny Lind. One print depicts a composer who worked in opera. Most prints include identifying information in French regarding the subject, with a few including text in English, and are a mix of formal and costume portraits. The prints represent a variety of mediums including lithographs, etchings, photogravure, and drawings based on photographs.

Biographical / historical:

Johanna Maria Lind, known professionally as Jenny Lind, was born on October 6, 1820 in Stockholm, Sweden. Nicknamed the "Swedish Nightingale," Lind gained fame as an operatic soprano throughout Europe starting at the age of 11. By the age of 28, Lind announced her retirement from the operatic stage, playing her last performance, which was attended by Queen Victoria and members of the British Royal Family, on May 10, 1849 in London, England. In September 1850, Lind sailed to America after showman P.T. Barnum offered her an 18-month contract to perform 150 concerts throughout the United States at the rate of $1,000 per performance. Barnum's advanced publicity led to Lind achieving national celebrity status even before she arrived in America, with the press at the time referring to the enthusiastic reception and high demand for tickets as "Lind mania." Lind donated her earnings to charity, including an endowment of free schools in Sweden. After marrying Otto Goldschmidt in 1852 she returned to Europe where she remained until her death on November 2, 1887 at the age of 67.

Léopold-Émile Reutlinger was born March 17, 1863 in Callao, Peru to a German-Jewish family of photographers. In 1883 he joined the family's photography studio in Paris, France before taking over in 1890. Reutlinger is best know for his photographs of popular actresses and opera singers, including the stars of entertainment venues such as the Moulin Rouge and the Folies Bergère, as well as photographs for fashion and advertising and his pioneering work in erotic photography. He passed away on March 16, 1937 at the age of 73.

Additional biographical information for single image specific individuals can be found in the folder level Scope and Content.

Acquisition information:
Purchased from Schubertiade Music by Lynn Eaton in March 2025.
Processing information:

Processing completed by Meghan Glasbrenner in June 2026. Finding aid completed by Meghan Glasbrenner in July 2026.

Arrangement:

Items are arranged alphabetically by subject last name.

Physical location:
R 73, C 2, S 5
Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard