Mlle Mercier; Mlle Simon 1861

This albumen print, created by renowned French photographer André-Adolphe-Eugène Disdéri in 1861, captures the essence of the "carte de visite" portrait craze that swept Europe in the mid-19th century. The photograph depicts two women, Mlle Mercier and Mlle Simon, in a series of poses, showcasing Disdéri's innovative use of the "carte de visite" format, which allowed for multiple images on a single card. The album page format allows for more elaborate staged scenes and poses, showcasing the photographer's artistic skill and the subjects' theatricality. This work is now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York, offering a glimpse into the social and artistic trends of the era.