Virginia Elisabetta Luisa Carlotta Antonietta Teresa Maria Oldoïni, (French: Virginie Élisabeth Louise Charlotte Antoinette Thérèse Marie Oldoïni).
(22 March 1837 – 28 November 1899), better known as La Castiglione, was an Italian aristocrat who achieved notoriety as a mistress of Emperor Napoleon III of France. She was also a significant figure in the early history of photography.In 1856 she began sitting for Mayer and Pierson, photographers favored by the imperial court. Over the next four decades she directed Pierre-Louis Pierson to help her create 700 different photographs in which she re-created the signature moments of her life for the camera. She spent a large part of her personal fortune and even went into debt to execute this project. Most of the photographs depict the Countess in her theatrical outfits, such as the Queen of Hearts dress. A number of photographs depict her in poses risqué for the era—notably, images that expose her bare legs and feet. In these photos, her head is cropped out.
I love all those "old ladies" who left their fingertips to our times.
I agree, and what beautiful outfits and hair too, (I think I would love to own a small part of something exquisite to wear) she is definitely a creative woman x x x
ReplyDeleteWow, that is really interesting. I've seen the one photo with the mask thing in front of her face but never knew where it was from.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting bit of history. And to go into debt? I suppose it was pretty easy to have gotten wrapped up in the project!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
-Kait
Nigdy o niej nie słyszałam, a jej suknie są po prostu rewelacyjne! Teraz na pewni przyjrzę się jej bliżej, dziękuję! :)
ReplyDelete