Bas-relief antifixa of a gorgon in terra cotta
1864
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
1864
photographic
From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum
In 1863–64, Louise Laffon made a terra cotta bas-relief of a gorgon. It’s a photograph, not a sculpture. The work fits two big art movements: Impressionism and Realism. The Victoria and Albert Museum started collecting photos in 1852. That’s early—even before most museums took photography seriously. The founder, Henry Cole, saw photos as tools for artists and students. This piece reminds us women artists were active back then. Look up Laffon, Louise.
