Artwork
Infant Hercules statuette in marble

Infant Hercules statuette in marble 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 photograph depicts a marble statuette of the Infant Hercules.
About this work
Overview
This photograph depicts a marble statuette of the Infant Hercules. The image is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection, which has a long history of acquiring and utilizing photographs for educational purposes.
History & Provenance
The V&A, under the direction of Henry Cole, began collecting photographs in 1852. In 1864, it purchased 500 photographs from Louise Laffon, a French photographer, including this image of the Infant Hercules statuette, originally from the Campana Collection in the Musée Napoléon III.
Technique & Style
The photograph is an example of Laffon's work, showcasing her skill in capturing museum objects. The image was likely produced using a photographic process common at the time, resulting in a print that could be used for study and reference.
Artist & collection
Artist
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.



















