Artwork

Septimus Severus

Septimus Severus, by Roger Fenton, photographic, 1855
Septimus Severus, by Roger Fenton, photographic, 1855

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.

Artist & collection

Artist

Roger Fenton

Roger Fenton (1819–1869) was a British artist.