Sèriè à la Ristori 1860s

Pierre-Louis Pierson made this photograph titled “Sèriè à la Ristori”, using albumen silver print. This image is part of a series which captures the famous actress Adelaide Ristori in character. Ristori defied the conventional expectations of women in the 19th century through her dramatic roles. The photograph shows her in costume, evoking a sense of tragedy. Ristori used her work to explore powerful emotions, and to represent women who challenged societal norms. Here, the dark veil and somber dress emphasize themes of grief and suffering, which were often associated with female characters in literature and opera. The way Ristori presents herself invites us to reflect on how women express emotions in public and private. This image gives space for a discussion about the complex interplay between gender, performance, and emotional expression during the 19th century. It is a window into how women navigated and sometimes subverted the roles that were assigned to them.