Sèriè à la Ristori 1860s

"Sèriè à la Ristori" is a striking photographic portrait created by Pierre-Louis Pierson in the 1860s, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The image captures an actress, likely in a theatrical pose, enveloped in a dramatic cloak and veil, suggesting a performance of a tragic or melodramatic play. Pierson's photographic style highlights the subject's emotional intensity through the interplay of light and shadow, creating a captivating visual narrative. This work is a testament to the artistry of early photography and its ability to capture fleeting moments of dramatic expression.