Sèriè à la Ristori 1860s

This photograph, "Sèriè à la Ristori," was taken in the 1860s by French photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson. The image depicts a seated woman, likely the Italian actress Adelaide Ristori, who was known for her tragic roles. Pierson's portrait captures the actress in a moment of quiet contemplation, her gaze directed downwards, perhaps lost in thought or reviewing a script. The composition is simple, highlighting the subject's elegant form and refined features, characteristic of the formal portraiture of the 19th century. This work, now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection in New York, is a testament to Pierson's skill as a photographer and a window into the world of theater during the 19th century.