Artwork
Antifixa of Venus in terra cotta
Antifixa of Venus 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.
About this work
This photo of Venus is a terra cotta piece shot by Louise Laffon between 1863 and 1864. It sits in the Victoria and Albert Museum’s earliest photo collection.
The V&A started collecting photos in 1852 and showed them publicly by 1858. Founding director Henry Cole wanted artists and students to use photos as visual shortcuts.
Look next at Laffon, Louise.
Overview
This photograph, taken by Louise Laffon between 1863 and 1864, depicts an Antifixa of Venus in terra cotta. It is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's early photographic collection.
History & Provenance
The V&A began collecting photographs in 1852 and exhibited them publicly by 1858. Laffon's work was acquired by the museum in 1864, as part of a series of 500 photographs she produced of objects from the Campana Collection.
Technique & Style
Laffon was a member of Le Société Française de la Photographie and used photography to document museum objects, creating a series of images for educational and administrative purposes.
Context
The V&A's founding director, Henry Cole, recognized the potential of photography to support artists and students, and actively collected photographs to supplement other visual resources.
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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