Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is a photographic photography by Fratelli Alinari. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This photograph, taken by Fratelli Alinari in the late 1800s, captures a sculpture gallery. The image is part of a collection documenting objects in a museum's Cast Courts.
Subject & Meaning
The central figure is a large statue of Perseus holding a sword and Medusa's severed head, displayed on an ornate pedestal with carved foliage and small figures. The surrounding statues are arranged on shelves, some draped in cloth.
Technique & Style
The photograph's lighting creates dramatic effects, with shadows adding depth to the statues. The image was mounted on card, a common practice for photographic prints at the time.
History & Provenance
Originally created as reference material for artists and students, the photograph was later transferred to relevant curatorial departments. It is now part of a broader effort to reunite dispersed photographic holdings with the museum's collections.
Artist & collection
Artist
Fratelli Alinari made early photographs in the 1850s, staging classical figures and nude studies in their studio.
Untitled
Statue of "Anger", Versailles, France
Untitled
Fragment of a small marble statue
Farnese Hercules, Museum of Naples, Italy
Marble Statue of Theseus
Rome: Groupe de Laocoon (Vatican)
South Kensington Museum, Interior of North Court showing marble statues including statue of Jason and Narcissus
Untitled
Mont Saint-Michel, St. Michel
Marble statue of Theseus or Hercules
Infant Hercules statuette in marble