Les Chiens 1860s

"Les Chiens" is a salont-style photograph by Pierre-Louis Pierson, a prominent French photographer of the 19th century. Taken in the 1860s, the photograph depicts a woman with a melancholy air, her gaze directed downward, while holding a cigarette. She is elegantly dressed, with a dark cloak enveloping her figure. Her long, flowing hair and the presence of a dog suggest a sense of leisure and contemplation. The photograph is a captivating example of Pierson's ability to capture intimate moments with a refined aesthetic. Currently housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, this small yet impactful image exemplifies the genre of portraiture in photography.