Artwork

Bas-relief portion of frieze with three comic figures in terra cotta

Bas-relief portion of frieze with three comic figures 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 is a small terra cotta bas-relief from 1863–64. It shows three comic figures in a frieze-style layout. Louise Laffon made it as part of the Impressionist and Realist movements.

It’s a rare snapshot of how artists used photography early on. The Victoria and Albert Museum collected it early, in 1852, to help art students study figures.

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Overview

This 1863–64 photograph by Louise Laffon captures a small terra cotta bas-relief frieze featuring three comic figures. The work reflects the intersection of photography with Impressionist and Realist artistic movements.

Subject & Meaning

The photographed bas-relief depicts three comic figures in a frieze layout, showcasing a lighthearted, humorous subject. As part of the V&A's collection, it was intended to aid art students in studying figurative art.

Technique & Style

Laffon's photograph faithfully reproduces the terra cotta bas-relief's details, demonstrating early photographic techniques used for documentary and educational purposes within the art world.

History & Provenance

Acquired by the V&A in 1864 as part of a 500-work purchase from Laffon, this photograph was sourced through agent Monsieur E. Cappe. It originated from Laffon's series documenting the Campana Collection in Paris.

Context

The photograph exemplifies the V&A's pioneering use of photography for educational and administrative goals, initiated under Director Henry Cole. It also highlights the contributions of female photographers like Laffon to the museum's early photographic collections.

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.