When the new process of photography was demonstrated to the Académie des Sciences and the Académie des Beaux-Arts in Paris in January 1839, the history painter, Delaroche, apparently exclaimed that “from today painting is dead”. But in fact it has given rise to a fascinating dialogue between the two art forms. Aliki’s lecture charts and outlines the birth of photography in the early 19th century and how its invention transformed and influenced the use, purpose and aesthetic of painting.

Born in Paris, Aliki studied at the Ruskin School of Fine Art, Oxford, the Slade School of Fine Art, London and the Courtauld Institute, where she gained a distinction in her Masters in 17th century painting. She worked for the National Gallery for 20 years and now teaches for Christie’s Education and the Wallace Collection, amongst other institutions. She is also a practising artist who regularly exhibits her photographic work.