Who painted Bas-relief antifixa of a gorgon in terra cotta?

Bas-relief antifixa of a gorgon in terra cotta was painted by Louise Laffon in 1864.

Where can I see Bas-relief antifixa of a gorgon in terra cotta?

Bas-relief antifixa of a gorgon in terra cotta is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Bas-relief antifixa of a gorgon in terra cotta?

Bas-relief antifixa of a gorgon in terra cotta is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Bas-relief antifixa of a gorgon in terra cotta

Louise Laffon , 1864

Bas-relief antifixa of a gorgon 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

The founder, Henry Cole, saw photos as tools for artists and students.

In 1863–64, Louise Laffon made a terra cotta bas-relief of a gorgon. It’s a photograph, not a sculpture. The work fits two big art movements: Impressionism and Realism.

The Victoria and Albert Museum started collecting photos in 1852. That’s early—even before most museums took photography seriously. The founder, Henry Cole, saw photos as tools for artists and students.

This piece reminds us women artists were active back then. Look up Laffon, Louise.

Overview

A photograph of a terra cotta bas-relief depicting a gorgon, created by Louise Laffon in 1863-64, is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. Initially intended as a resource for artists and students, the photograph showcases a sculptural work bridging Impressionism and Realism.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, a gorgon, is a mythological figure often used in art to evoke protection or warning. In this context, the bas-relief's representation may have served as an educational example of sculptural technique and artistic interpretation of classical motifs.

Technique & Style

While the photograph itself is a product of mid-19th-century photographic techniques, the depicted bas-relief in terra cotta reflects a blend of Impressionist and Realist influences, suggesting attention to detailed, realistic rendering within a more expressive, potentially Impressionist framework.

History & Provenance

Acquired by the V&A in 1864 as part of a larger purchase of 500 photographs from Laffon, via agent Monsieur E. Cappe, this work was originally part of Laffon's series documenting objects from the Campana Collection in Paris.

Context

The piece is significant not only for its early adoption of photography in an educational context, courtesy of the V&A's visionary approach under Henry Cole, but also for highlighting the contributions of female photographers like Louise Laffon in the mid-19th century.

Artist & collection

Artist

Louise Laffon

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.