Artwork

Bas-relief portion of a frieze of a winged figure with foliage in terra cotta

Bas-relief portion of a frieze of a winged figure with foliage 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. This photograph depicts a terra cotta bas-relief frieze featuring a winged figure amidst foliage.

About this work

Overview

This photograph depicts a terra cotta bas-relief frieze featuring a winged figure amidst foliage. The image is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, which has a long history of acquiring and utilizing photographs for educational and administrative purposes.

History & Provenance

The V&A, founded as the South Kensington Museum in 1852, was a pioneer in collecting and exhibiting photographs. The museum acquired 500 photographs by Louise Laffon in 1864, part of a series documenting the Campana Collection in the Musée Napoléon III, Paris.

Context

The V&A's early adoption of photography was driven by its founding Director, Henry Cole, who recognized its potential to support artists and students. Both in-house photographers, like Isabel Agnes Cowper, and external professionals contributed to the museum's collection.

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.