Artwork
Marble statue of a Roman lady
Marble statue of a Roman lady 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
This is a photograph from 1863–64 showing a marble statue of a Roman lady. Louise Laffon made it while Impressionism and Realism overlapped.
The Victoria and Albert Museum began collecting photographs in 1852 and held this one long before it was noticed. Henry Cole pushed to add images so artists and students could study them up close.
Look up the museum’s early photo collection next.
Overview
This photograph from 1863–64 depicts a marble statue of a Roman lady. It was taken by Louise Laffon, a French photographer, during a period when Impressionism and Realism coexisted.
Subject & Meaning
The image captures a marble statue, likely from the Campana Collection, which was housed in the Musée Napoléon III in Paris, now part of the Louvre.
Technique & Style
Laffon was a skilled photographer, and her work exemplifies the photographic techniques of the time, producing detailed images of artworks for study and documentation.
History & Provenance
The Victoria and Albert Museum acquired this photograph in 1864 as part of a series of 500 works by Laffon, purchased through the agent Monsieur E. Cappe.
Context
The V&A was a pioneer in collecting photographs, starting in 1852, driven by the vision of its founding Director, Henry Cole, to provide artists and students with visual resources.
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.
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