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Bas-relief of a figure with bust, vessels and columns in terra cotta

Louise Laffon

1864

photographic

From the collection of Victoria and Albert Museum

Impressionism Realism Late 19th Century

Dominant colour

Bas-relief of a figure with bust, vessels and columns in terra cotta is a 1864 photographic by Louise Laffon, a Impressionism work, held at Victoria and Albert Museum.

Who painted this?: Louise Laffon
When & what style?: 1864 · Impressionism
Where can I see it?: Victoria and Albert Museum

About this work

This photo is a terra cotta bas-relief from 1863–64 by Louise Laffon. It shows a figure with vessels and columns. It’s a photograph, which might surprise you—it’s rare to see photos from this era. The Victoria and Albert Museum started collecting photos in 1852. They used them to help artists and students study techniques. Want to see more early photos? Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum.

The story of this work

Overview

This albumen print by Louise Laffon depicts a terra cotta bas-relief featuring a bust, vessels, and columns. Part of a series documenting objects from the Campana Collection at the Musée Napoléon III, it was among 500 works purchased by the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1864. The photograph is mounted on a gilded card bearing the neutral signature "L. Laffon" and the studio name "Photographie Lord Byron."

Read the full account in the museum source.

About the artist

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.

See the richer artist page