Head of the Emperor Antonius in white enamel

The photograph's subject is a portrait of Emperor Antonius rendered in white enamel. The image served an educational purpose, aiming to provide artists and students with detailed visual references through the emerging medium of photography.

Laffon's photograph demonstrates the technical capabilities of early photography. The small scale and precise capture of the enamelwork reflect the medium's suitability for detailed documentation, aligning with the educational goals of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Acquired by the V&A in 1864 as part of a 500-work purchase from Laffon, this photograph is part of a series documenting the Campana Collection in Paris. Its acquisition highlights the museum's pioneering role in collecting photography and acknowledges Laffon's contribution as a female photographer in a male-dominated field.

Created during photography's nascent period, this work is contextualized by the Victoria and Albert Museum's visionary approach to adopting photography for educational and administrative purposes, starting from 1852. Laffon's involvement also sheds light on the overlooked contributions of female photographers during this era.