Artwork

Bronze statuette

Bronze statuette, by Louise Laffon, photographic, 1864
Bronze statuette, by Louise Laffon, photographic, 1864

Bronze statuette 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 Victoria and Albert Museum collected early photos to help artists learn.

Louise Laffon made a bronze statuette in 1863-1864.
Photographs were brand new then—this piece shows that moment.
The Victoria and Albert Museum collected early photos to help artists learn.

Laffon was overlooked for years, but now we see her work again.
The museum started buying photos in the 1850s to teach drawing.
It was the first to show photos as art, not just tools.

Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum next.

Overview

This photograph, taken by Louise Laffon, captures a bronze statuette. It represents an early example of photography's application in documenting art objects.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of the photograph is a bronze statuette, likely from the Campana Collection. Laffon's work demonstrates the use of photography to record and study artworks.

History & Provenance

The Victoria and Albert Museum acquired 500 photographs from Laffon's series in 1864. The museum had been collecting photographs since 1852 to aid artists and students, and was the first to exhibit them in 1858.

Context

Laffon's photograph reflects the early adoption of photography in art documentation. As a member of Le Société Française de la Photographie, she contributed to the growing field.

Legacy

Laffon's work was overlooked for years, but is now recognized as part of the V&A's early photographic collection, highlighting the museum's pioneering role in using photography for educational purposes.

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.