Le Grand Russe 1860s

"Le Grand Russe", a carte-de-visite photograph by French photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson, depicts a young boy in a seated pose. Taken in the 1860s, the image showcases the popularity of the genre during the time period. The subject's formal attire and composed expression suggest a portrait commissioned by the boy's family, a common practice for documenting childhood in the 19th century. The photograph's small size, typical of the format, highlights the intimate and personal nature of the work. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City is home to this intriguing photographic portrait.