Who painted Fragment of a marble statue of Baccus?

Fragment of a marble statue of Baccus was painted by Louise Laffon in 1864.

Where can I see Fragment of a marble statue of Baccus?

Fragment of a marble statue of Baccus is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Fragment of a marble statue of Baccus?

Fragment of a marble statue of Baccus is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Fragment of a marble statue of Baccus

Louise Laffon , 1864

Fragment of a marble statue of Baccus 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 1863–64 photograph depicts a fragment of a marble statue of Bacchus, one of the earliest museum-collected photographs.

About this work

The Victoria and Albert Museum started exhibiting photographs in 1858, seeing them as tools for artists and students.

This is a photograph from 1863–64 showing a fragment of a marble statue of Bacchus. It’s one of the earliest museum photos ever collected. The Victoria and Albert Museum started exhibiting photographs in 1858, seeing them as tools for artists and students.

The picture shows a small piece of ancient sculpture, not a full figure. Museums used early photos like this to study art long before digital images existed.

Check out the Victoria and Albert Museum to see more of their early photo collection.

Overview

This 1863–64 photograph depicts a fragment of a marble statue of Bacchus, one of the earliest museum-collected photographs. It shows a small portion of an ancient sculpture, not the full figure.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a fragmentary ancient marble statue of Bacchus (Roman god of wine and revelry). The photograph's primary purpose was educational and administrative, aiding artists, students, and museum staff in studying art forms before the advent of digital imagery.

Technique & Style

The photograph is a gil print, a technique characteristic of early photographic practices. The composition focuses on the sculptural fragment, reflecting the utilitarian aim of accurately documenting artworks for study.

History & Provenance

Acquired by the V&A in 1864 from Louise Laffon, a pioneering female photographer, through agent Monsieur E. Cappe. Part of a larger series Laffon produced of the Campana Collection in Paris.

Context

Reflects the V&A's pioneering role in collecting and exhibiting photographs (since 1858) under Director Henry Cole, who valued photography as a tool for extending visual educational resources.

Legacy

Contributes to the early history of museum photography, highlighting the role of female photographers like Laffon in the development of photographic collections 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.