[La Comtesse in robe de piqué or as Judith (?)] 1860s

This photograph by Pierre-Louis Pierson portrays a woman, possibly the Countess, in a "robe de piqué." This image is a testament to the rise of photography as a powerful medium, reflecting the opulence of high society. The photograph's materiality is fascinating, revealing a convergence of art and industry. It was made using photographic processes, which were relatively new at the time, but the image is also heavily retouched with hand-applied colors and details. Pierson’s photograph allows us to consider the image's relationship to labor, class, and consumption. The sitter's elaborate dress is evidence of the economics of fashion, and its display in a photographic print speaks to photography's increasingly important role in popular culture. The very act of producing this image involved labor, from the photographer to the artisans involved in the fabric of the garment, each contributing to a complex web of production and consumption. By examining the photograph's materials, making, and social context, we gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural significance, challenging conventional distinctions between fine art and craft.