[La Comtesse Reclining in Dark Dress with Chain Around Neck] 1861 - 1865

Pierre-Louis Pierson, a French photographer known for his elegant portraits, created this evocative image of a countess, reclining in a dark dress, around 1861–65. The dramatic lighting and the chain around her neck suggest a story of mystery and perhaps even sorrow. The work, housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, exemplifies Pierson's artistry in capturing the grandeur and subtle emotions of his subjects. Pierson's work, often characterized by its refined aesthetic and the use of elaborate props and settings, was highly sought after by the Parisian elite.