MARGARET MATHER, 1860-1898

I was caught by this carte de visite of Margaret Mather as Joan of Arc.
Her facial expression is wonderfully period. Imagine it in color, behind footlights. Margaret Mather died young, at age 38, while onstage. I have been unable to find out of what; sources say "chronic illness," which could be tuberculosis, cancer, or heart disease. She was praised for her physicality, but the CDV has her looking somewhat stiff, as if she was posed by someone else. She specialized in Shakespearean roles.