Artwork
Sculpture
Sculpture is a photographic photography by Julius Aschauer. It dates from 1927 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The image is a sepia-toned photograph that records a three‑dimensional work of art: a sculpted figure of a female saint.
About this work
Overview
The image is a sepia-toned photograph that records a three‑dimensional work of art: a sculpted figure of a female saint. The statue rests on a pedestal that incorporates a lamp fixture, and the base is populated by several small cherubic figures, or putti, that frame the composition.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure represents a canonized woman, likely intended to convey virtues associated with sainthood such as piety and compassion. The surrounding putti, traditionally symbols of innocence and divine presence, reinforce the sacred atmosphere surrounding the saint.
Technique & Style
The photograph captures the sculpture in monochrome, emphasizing tonal contrasts rather than color. The sepia palette highlights the texture of the stone and the delicate carving of the putti, while the lamp fixture introduces a subtle interplay of light and shadow within the composition.
History & Provenance
The work is documented in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it is listed among the institution’s holdings of sculptural photography. The photograph itself serves as a record of the sculpture’s condition and display context at the time of capture.
Context
Positioned on a pedestal with an integrated lamp, the sculpture reflects a historic practice of combining functional lighting with devotional objects, a design often seen in ecclesiastical settings where illumination underscores the spiritual significance of the figure.
Artist & collection
Artist
German sculptor Julius Aschauer left behind a single documented work in 1927: a photograph of his sculpture.
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