Empress Eugénia 1860s

This carte de visite, created by French photographer André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri in the 1860s, depicts Empress Eugénia, wife of Napoleon III, seated at a table. Disdéri was a pioneer in the field of photography, known for his development of the carte de visite format, which became wildly popular for portraiture in the mid-19th century. The image showcases Eugénia's elegant attire and aristocratic bearing, highlighting the importance of photography in capturing the image of royalty and celebrities of the era. The intimate setting and the Empress's pensive pose create a sense of intimacy and personal connection, a characteristic of the carte de visite genre. This small but significant photograph is a testament to the power of photography to capture and preserve moments in time, offering viewers a glimpse into the lives of historical figures.