Artwork
Antique bronze circular appliqué
Antique bronze circular appliqué 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
Overview
This photograph depicts an antique bronze circular appliqué, showcasing the Victoria and Albert Museum's early adoption of photography as a tool for documentation and education.
History & Provenance
The V&A, founded as the South Kensington Museum in 1852, was a pioneer in collecting and exhibiting photographs. In 1864, it acquired 500 photographs by Louise Laffon, a French photographer, featuring objects from the Campana Collection.
Context
The museum's first director, Henry Cole, recognized photography's potential to expand resources for artists and students, actively collecting photographs for educational purposes.
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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