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Cartoon, Henry Irving being buttered up
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Cartoon, Henry Irving being buttered up
Cartoon, Henry Irving, popular actor-manager, being buttered up by his professed friends.
1885
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23267370
© Mary Evans Picture Library
1885 Acte Actors Bryan Butter Dripping Entr Entracte Flattering Flattery Friend Friends Irving Manager Popularity Buttered Buttering
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing cartoon captures the essence of backstage politics and the pursuit of popularity in the late Victorian theatre world. The image depicts the renowned actor-manager, Henry Irving (1838-1905), being "buttered up" by his professed friends during an entr'acte at the Lyceum Theatre in 1885. Irving, known for his exceptional acting skills and innovative stage productions, was a popular figure in the theatrical community. The cartoon, created in 1885, shows Irving seated in a chair, surrounded by a group of actors, each holding a dripping butter dish. The caption "Cartoon, Henry Irving, being buttered up by his professed friends" succinctly describes the scene. The actors, with mischievous grins, appear to be lavishing Irving with flattery and attention, symbolized by the butter being dripped over him. This act of "buttering up" was a common form of flattery and a way to curry favor with influential figures in the theatre world. The cartoon, with its humorous take on the power dynamics of the theatre, offers a glimpse into the social and cultural milieu of the late Victorian era. It also highlights the importance of popularity and the role it played in the careers of actors and managers during this period. This image, with its rich historical context, is a must-have for any theatre history enthusiast or collector.
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