Clara Pilvois; Elise Parent 1863

This is André Disdéri’s multiple exposure photograph of Clara Pilvois and Elise Parent, made in 1863. The eye is immediately drawn to the grid-like composition, a series of carefully arranged images that capture the subjects in slightly different poses and outfits. The sepia tones create a sense of nostalgia, and the stark contrast between light and shadow emphasizes the textures of the clothing and the figures' forms. Disdéri's use of multiple exposures and the carte-de-visite format challenged traditional portraiture by creating affordable, mass-produced images. Semiotically, the photograph operates as a system of signs, where each pose and costume can be interpreted as conveying specific meanings related to social status, occupation, and personal identity. The grid structure itself reflects a broader cultural shift towards standardization and seriality, which characterized the industrial age. Ultimately, this work not only captures a moment in time but also embodies the changing nature of representation in the modern era.