Artwork

Assyrian sculpture, priest worshipping and genius worshipping, Paris: Louvre

Assyrian sculpture, priest worshipping and genius worshipping, Paris: Louvre is a photographic photography by the Impressionist artist Unknown. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This 19th-century photograph depicts an ancient Assyrian sculpture featuring a priest and a genius (a mythological figure) in an act of worship. The image is part of a large collection of 611 photographs once owned by the artist John Singer Sargent.

Subject & Meaning

The photographed sculpture showcases an Assyrian religious scene, highlighting the worship practices of the ancient civilization through the figures of a priest and a genius. The subject matter reflects the cultural and religious practices of Assyria.

Technique & Style

The photograph itself, likely purchased from a professional photographer, exemplifies 19th-century photographic techniques used to document art and architecture. The style is characteristic of the period's academic and documentary photography.

History & Provenance

Originally part of John Singer Sargent's collection, the photograph was donated to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1925 by his sisters, Emily and Violet, following his death. It was valued for its educational potential, particularly in the Library Photograph Collection and the Sculpture Department.

Context

The photograph's inclusion in Sargent's collection underscores his broad artistic interests and research for projects like 'The Triumph of Religion'. It also reflects the 19th-century practice of collecting photographs as reference materials for artists and scholars.

Legacy

Today, the photograph serves as both a document of an ancient Assyrian sculpture and a testament to John Singer Sargent's eclectic interests. It remains a useful resource within the Victoria and Albert Museum's collections.