[Profile with Chignon, Large] 1859

Pierre-Louis Pierson made this photographic print of a woman in profile, sometime in the mid-19th century. Pierson was active in France at a time when photography was still a relatively new medium, and its status as an art form was still being debated. In this context, portrait photography was a booming commercial industry, and studios like Pierson's catered to the desires of a growing middle class eager to participate in visual culture. This portrait uses a soft focus and careful lighting to create an image of refined elegance. The woman's hairstyle and dress are fashionable, but not overtly extravagant, suggesting a tasteful and respectable identity. Understanding this photograph means considering the complex social and institutional forces that shaped its production and reception. By researching photographic studios, fashion trends, and middle-class culture in 19th-century France, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the role of images in shaping social identities.