Who painted Head of Seraph in glazed earthenware?

Head of Seraph in glazed earthenware was painted by Louise Laffon in 1864.

Where can I see Head of Seraph in glazed earthenware?

Head of Seraph in glazed earthenware is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Head of Seraph in glazed earthenware?

Head of Seraph in glazed earthenware is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Head of Seraph in glazed earthenware

Louise Laffon , 1864

Head of Seraph in glazed earthenware 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 photograph came from a period when the V&A was one of the first museums to collect and display photographs, back in the 1850s.

Louise Laffon made this photograph in 1863–1864. It’s a glazed earthenware head of a putto, a cherubic child figure common in religious art. The piece sits at the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The photograph came from a period when the V&A was one of the first museums to collect and display photographs, back in the 1850s. Female photographers like Laffon were often overlooked in the records.

Next time you’re in London, look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This photograph by Louise Laffon depicts a glazed earthenware head of a seraph, a type of angelic figure. The image was created in 1863-1864 and is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of the photograph is a ceramic head of a putto, a cherubic child figure often used in religious art. The glazed earthenware piece is likely from the Campana Collection, a series of artworks acquired by the Musée Napoléon III in Paris.

History & Provenance

Laffon's photograph was purchased by the V&A in 1864 through the agent Monsieur E. Cappe, as part of a series of 500 works. The V&A was an early adopter of photography, collecting and exhibiting photographs from 1852 and 1858, respectively.

Context

The V&A's collection of photographs was initially part of the National Art Library, intended for use by artists, students, and museum staff. Female photographers, including Laffon, played a significant role in the museum's photographic endeavors, although they were often overlooked in historical records.

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.