Pen and ink illustration with highlights in watercolour, created for publication in an illustrated newspaper or magazine, probably The Penny Illustrated Press. It shows the moment of Carmen's death, in a production of the ballet Carmen, at The Alhambra in 1903. The role of Carmen is being performed by the Spanish Dancer, Rosario Guerrero, whilst the role of Don José is being danced by Monsieur Volbert.
This ballet/pantomime version of Carmen premiered at the Alhambra Theatre in London in 1903. It featured choreography by Lucia Cormani and music by Georges Bizet (supplemented by George W. Byng). The story was condensed to five scenes and and a total length of about 45 minutes.
The sketch has been signed and dated by the artist F.V.Poole in the bottom left hand corner.
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This item is one of several theatrical drawings from a collection of sketches commissioned from contemporary artists to be printed in illustrated magazines. The collection was donated to the museum by Sir William James Ingram in 1914.
