Artwork

Marble bust of the Emperor Nero

Marble bust of the Emperor Nero, by Louise Laffon, photographic, 1864
Marble bust of the Emperor Nero, by Louise Laffon, photographic, 1864

Marble bust of the Emperor Nero 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

It was the first museum to do so, and it used these images to help artists and students study form and detail.

This is a photograph of a marble bust of the Emperor Nero. It was made in 1863-1864 by Louise Laffon, a French photographer. The work sits in the photography collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The V&A started collecting photographs in 1852. It was the first museum to do so, and it used these images to help artists and students study form and detail.

Next time you're at the museum, look for Louise Laffon.

Overview

This 1863-1864 photograph by Louise Laffon depicts a marble bust of Emperor Nero, now part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's photography collection.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a marble bust of Emperor Nero, though the photograph's primary purpose was educational, aiming to provide detailed visual reference for artists and students.

Technique & Style

The photograph is a gil print, a technique characteristic of mid-19th-century photography, emphasizing clarity and detail to serve its pedagogical intent.

History & Provenance

Acquired by the V&A in 1864 as part of a 500-work purchase from Laffon, facilitated by agent Monsieur E. Cappe, originally photographed from the Campana Collection in Paris.

Context

Reflects the V&A's pioneering role in collecting and exhibiting photography from 1852, leveraging it as a tool for artistic and educational enrichment.

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.