[Countess de Castiglione] 1895

Pierre-Louis Pierson's 1895 portrait of Virginia Oldoini, Countess di Castiglione, captures the Italian socialite in a dramatic pose. Known for her beauty and influence in European courts, the Countess is adorned with elaborate floral arrangements, a pearl necklace, and a bracelet, reflecting the opulence of her life. The photograph is a testament to Pierson's skill in capturing both the physical beauty and the enigmatic personality of his subject, a hallmark of 19th-century portrait photography. This intimate portrayal of a fascinating historical figure can be found in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.