Eugénie Schlosser dans Gracioza 1861

André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri created this photographic album page of Eugénie Schlosser in Gracioza. This image provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of 19th-century opera and photography. The photograph captures Schlosser in costume, portraying a character from a then-popular opera. During this period, opera was a central part of cultural life, reflecting and shaping societal values and norms. Disdéri, a pioneering photographer, capitalized on the popularity of opera by creating and selling these portraits. The multiple exposures on a single print offer a sense of movement and narrative, akin to a film strip. This relates to the changing representations of women in the arts. Schlosser is seen actively performing, which departs from traditional, passive depictions of women, offering a more dynamic portrayal. This image both reflects and shapes the cultural narratives of its time, touching on identity, performance, and the evolving role of women in the arts.