Who painted Marble Statue of a Youth (arm gone)?

Marble Statue of a Youth (arm gone) was painted by Louise Laffon in 1864.

Where can I see Marble Statue of a Youth (arm gone)?

Marble Statue of a Youth (arm gone) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is Marble Statue of a Youth (arm gone)?

Marble Statue of a Youth (arm gone) is associated with Impressionism.

Artwork

Marble Statue of a Youth (arm gone)

Louise Laffon , 1864

Marble Statue of a Youth (arm gone) 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

Louise Laffon is one of the overlooked women behind these early pictures.

Louise Laffon photographed this marble statue in 1863–64.
It’s a quiet image of a youth minus an arm, tiny but full of calm.
The photo sits inside the Victoria and Albert Museum’s early collection.

Photography was new at the V&A in the 1850s.
They collected photos to teach artists and students.
Louise Laffon is one of the overlooked women behind these early pictures.

Look up the museum: Victoria and Albert Museum.

Overview

This photograph by Louise Laffon depicts a marble statue of a youth with a missing arm. The image is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's early collection of photographs.

Technique & Style

Laffon's 1863–64 photograph presents a serene and understated representation of the statue, capturing its calm demeanor despite its incomplete state.

History & Provenance

The Victoria and Albert Museum began collecting photographs in 1852, using them as educational resources for artists and students. Laffon's work was acquired by the museum in 1864 through the agent Monsieur E. Cappe, as part of a series of photographs of objects from the Campana Collection.

Context

The V&A's early adoption of photography was driven by its founding Director, Henry Cole, who recognized the medium's potential to expand the visual resources available to artists and students.

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.