[Countess de Castiglione as Elvira at the Cheval Glass] 1861 - 1867

This 1861-1867 photograph by Pierre-Louis Pierson captures Virginia Oldoini, Countess de Castiglione, in a staged portrait as Elvira, a character from the opera "Ernani" by Giuseppe Verdi. The Countess, known for her beauty and influence, is depicted in a luxurious setting, looking into a mirror. The photograph, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, is a striking example of early photography's ability to capture both the grandeur of Victorian fashion and the intimate introspection of a performer preparing for a role.