Artwork
An Arimaspi combating with a Griffin, bas-relief fragment in terra cotta
An Arimaspi combating with a Griffin, bas-relief fragment in terra cotta is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Louise Laffon. It dates from 1864 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. A photograph of a terra cotta bas-relief fragment, dating to 1863–64, depicting a combat between an Arimaspi and a Griffin.
About this work
This is a terra cotta bas-relief fragment from 1863–64 by Louise Laffon. It shows a mythical fight between a person and a griffin. The piece is a photograph, not a sculpture.
The Victoria and Albert Museum was early to collect and show photos. This work was meant to help artists and students study form and detail.
Look up the artist Louise Laffon next.
Overview
A photograph of a terra cotta bas-relief fragment, dating to 1863–64, depicting a combat between an Arimaspi and a Griffin. The image is a reproductive photograph, not the sculpture itself.
Subject & Meaning
The photographed bas-relief fragment illustrates a mythological scene of conflict between a human figure (Arimaspi) and a hybrid creature (Griffin), showcasing ancient artistic representations of mythological encounters.
Technique & Style
The original relief was crafted in terra cotta, a technique common for sculptural works of the time, emphasizing texture and form. The photograph, by Louise Laffon, faithfully reproduces these aspects for educational purposes.
History & Provenance
Acquired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1864 as part of a larger purchase of 500 photographs from Laffon, via agent Monsieur E. Cappe, highlighting the museum's early adoption of photography for educational resources.
Context
Created in the context of the V&A's initiative to utilize photography for extending visual educational resources, supplementing traditional reprographic methods, and catering to artists, students, and museum staff.
Legacy
Contributes to the legacy of early photographic practices in museums, particularly highlighting the overlooked role of female photographers like Louise Laffon in the development of educational photography collections.
Artist & collection
Artist
Louise Laffon (1828–1885), was a French photographer and painter. She was one of the first female professional photographers in France. She had a studio in Paris between 1859 and 1876.
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