[Reine d'Etrurie] 1860s

“[Reine d’Etrurie]” is a salacious portrait of a woman reclining in a dramatic pose, taken by French photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson in the 1860s. This carte de visite, a small format photograph popular in the mid-19th century, depicts a woman with her hair down and a lavishly decorated gown. The photograph evokes a sense of decadence and theatricality, which was common in artistic circles at the time. The image is framed with an ornate border, emphasizing the subject as a spectacle for the viewer. The photograph's subject matter and composition, including the dramatic lighting and posing, suggest a theatrical setting or a staged performance.