[Countess de Castiglione, from Série des Roses] 1895

This 1895 photograph, "[Countess de Castiglione, from Série des Roses]" by Pierre-Louis Pierson, captures Countess Virginia Oldoini di Castiglione, a renowned beauty and Italian socialite, in a contemplative pose before a mirror. The Countess, known for her fashion sense and captivating presence, is captured in a dramatic, almost theatrical, style that was popular in the late 19th century. Pierson, a prominent photographer of the period, expertly uses light and shadow to accentuate the Countess's elegant form and create a sense of mystery. This intimate portrait, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, provides a glimpse into the captivating world of one of the most intriguing figures of the time.