Artwork

Bas-relief of a large vessel with handles and two bacanallian genies in terra cotta

Bas-relief of a large vessel with handles and two bacanallian genies 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 is a photograph of a terra cotta bas-relief from 1863-1864. It shows a large vessel with handles and two bacchanalian genies. Louise Laffon made it.

Photography at the Victoria and Albert Museum goes back to 1852—it was the first museum to collect and exhibit photos. The museum used images like this one to help artists and students study forms.

Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This 1863-1864 photograph by Louise Laffon depicts a terra cotta bas-relief of a large vessel with handles, accompanied by two bacchanalian genies. The image was part of a series documenting objects from the Campana Collection in the Musée Napoléon III, Paris.

Subject & Meaning

The bas-relief subject, a vessel flanked by bacchanalian genies, suggests a theme related to ancient festivities or rituals, possibly of Roman or Greek inspiration. The photograph's primary purpose, however, was educational, aiming to provide artists and students with detailed visual references.

Technique & Style

The photograph showcases Laffon's technical skill in capturing intricate details of the terra cotta relief. The style is characteristic of mid-19th-century photographic documentation, emphasizing clarity and accuracy over artistic interpretation.

History & Provenance

Acquired by the V&A in 1864 as part of a 500-work purchase from Laffon, this photograph is part of the museum's pioneering collection of photographs, initiated in 1852 under Director Henry Cole.

Context

Created during the early days of the V&A's photography collection, this work reflects the institution's vision to leverage photography for educational and administrative purposes, facilitated by photographers like Laffon and the museum's own service.

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.