The Red Bow 1861 - 1867

Pierre-Louis Pierson created this photograph, “The Red Bow,” during the Second Empire in France, a period defined by rapid social and political change. Pierson was known for his portraits of elite women, particularly his close relationship with Countess Virginia di Castiglione, a prominent figure in Parisian society, who is the subject of this photograph. Her striking beauty and involvement in political circles made her both celebrated and scrutinized, embodying the complex role of women in 19th-century high society. In this image, Castiglione’s identity is carefully constructed through her elaborate dress and the theatrical pose. The red bow serves as a focal point, drawing attention to her constructed femininity. The ornate frame further emphasizes the Countess's elevated status, setting her apart from the ordinary. Consider how this photograph, while seemingly a celebration of beauty and status, also reflects the limited roles available to women, where influence was often mediated through appearance and social connections.