Artwork
Septimus Severus

Septimus Severus is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Roger Fenton. It dates from 1855 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
This is a black-and-white photo of a stone bust. The man has a thick beard and curly hair, carved in detail. He wears a draped robe that falls over his shoulders. The bust sits on a simple pedestal.
The photo itself looks old, with a faded, sepia tone. It was made in 1855, when photography was still new.
Want to see more? Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum.
Overview
This 1855 sepia-toned photograph by Roger Fenton captures a stone bust of a man adorned with a thick beard and curly hair, draped in a toga, resting on a simple pedestal.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a sculpted bust of a man, likely of historical or classical significance due to the toga, a traditional Roman garment. The photograph's focus on the bust suggests an interest in documenting classical art or antiquities.
Technique & Style
Shot in the early days of photography, the image features a faded sepia tone characteristic of mid-19th-century sepia-toned photographs. The composition is straightforward, emphasizing the bust's details.
History & Provenance
Created in 1855 by Roger Fenton, a pioneering photographer. The current location of the original photograph is not specified here, but similar works by Fenton can be found in collections like the Victoria and Albert Museum.
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