From dealer's description: "Albumen photograph (of a lithograph) measuring 90 by 57mm. Laid down on period plain mount card, some minimal wear. Np, nd but c. A fine example of the popularity of Ira Aldridge (1807-1867). He made his mark in the role of Othello and in 1826 became the first actor of African descent to perform the role. Born in New York City, Ira Aldridge (1807-1867) attended the African Free School and opted for a career on the stage rather than the clergy as his father preferred. While he got his start in the Brown's Theatre (known as the African Theatre), New York, his prospects were brighter in England and he emigrated in 1824. Aldridge's debut came the next year in a production of The Revolt of Suriname in which he played the enslaved prince Oroonoko. Other roles followed quickly, such as The Ethiopian, The Libertine Defeated, and The Negro's Curse, which was written for him. For the next seven years he performed under the stage name the "African Roscius." Aldridge remains the only actor of African descent with a plaque at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre." Ordered from Maggs, D9582, 2022-04-26, stock code 245496.
