She replied in kind, No, Sire. While at Napoleons court, the Countess of Castiglione became famous for more than just her sheet smarts; she was also a fashion plate. While she was lauded as Venus descended from Olympus, she was exceptionally self-absorbed. 1. Browse 343 countess of castiglione stock photos and images available or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Whichever interpretation you prefer, it's probably a fitting one. Virginia Oldoini Verasis, countess di Castiglione, (born March 22, 1835, Florence, duchy of Tuscany [Italy]died Nov. 28, 1899, Paris, France), Tuscan noblewoman who occupied a predominant position in the courts of both Turin and Paris and influenced Franco-Italian political relations. dressed in a gorgeous gown and holding a knife in her hand, titled "La Venegance . Turning off the personalized advertising setting wont stop you from seeing Etsy ads or impact Etsy's own personalization technologies, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive. After teaming up with photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson, Oldoini amassed over 700 19th-century selfies. 4,500. In 1855, she had a brief affair with King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy, who nicknamed her "Nini". With her notorious ways, she succeeded in enticing king Napoleon III to help unify Italy, which was achieved in 1861. With Yvonne De Carlo, Georges Marchal, Paul Meurisse, Rossano Brazzi. It wasnt boredom, but indiscretion which provoked Napoleon to discard her. A notorious womanizer, Napoleon also suffered from a chaste and pious wife, Empress Eugenie, who had long stopped sleeping with him because she found him and his extra-marital escapades disgusting. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. Listen, girls know how to get things done. The Contessa's Secret: Directed by Georges Combret. Some 90 works from a remarkable series of photographic portraits documenting the public life and private fantasies of a legendary 19th-century beauty go on view at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 19, 2000, in the exhibition "La Divine Comtesse," Photographs of the Countess de Castiglione. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. Buzz Buddy. [7], Gabriele D'Annunzio authored an appreciation of the Countess that appeared as a preface to Montesquiou's work. Scherzo di Follia by Pierre-Louis Pierson, Vintage European Art Print, Countess of Castiglione Photo, PRINTABLE Wall Art, Digital Download. She also insisted on photographing him constantly, pulling him into many of her projects and often making him serve as her stand-in when she set up shots. The daughter of a diplomat, Virginie di Castiglione grew up lonely in a large palazzo in Florence, the home of her grandfather, Lamporecchi, a well-known jurist . She died on November 28, 1899, at the age of sixty-two, and was buried at the Pre Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. To enable personalized advertising (like interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. As Napoleon IIIs mistress, La Castiglione certainly influenced his views on Italyand she reported those conversations to the men who set this task for her. Want to know more? She was also a significant figure in the early history of photography. Duly, she ignored the usual diplomatic routes and inveigled herself into prime position as the emperor's mistress. Prim, proper, and dutiful Eugenie had to suffer in contempt when she got the full view of the Countess of Castigliones costumeand I do mean the full view. Countess of Castiglione. In the 1890s she began a brief collaboration with Pierson again, though her later photographs clearly show her loss of any critical judgement, possibly due to her growing mental instability. Looking for countess castiglione online in India? ", In La Divine Comtesse, a book exploring the Countess' social and cultural legacy, curator Pierre Apraxine writes that art critics have long overlooked the Countess' body of work, mistakenly considering it trivial. Most tragically, this was not to be. Theres an unfortunately LONG TIME spent in this questionably costumed/haired period: 1. And that's how she continues to exist: as an image, a face, a set of poses meticulously choreographed and endlessly marveled over. Although the union gave Virginia the name we know her by today, it didnt give her a whole lot else. Robert de Montesquiou, a Symbolist poet, dandy, and avid art collector, was fascinated by the Countess di Castiglione. Now, the problem is the film is in Italian without any English subtitles, and my knowledge of Italian is limited to ordering food and booking hotel rooms. That wasp-waisted dress is the plaidest thing I have ever seen! These portraits helped to shape her very deliberate, highly controlled public personaone that irked plenty of her peers. But whether the relationship was for business or pleasure, it nonetheless helped the Countess establish an immediate reputation. Even though it took the virtual dissolution of her marriage, the Countess of Castiglione did eventually succeed in her original mission. Once there, she looked the courtesan up and down before sniffing, The heart is a little low, madam. Genealogy profile for Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione. Watch fullscreen. This is the famous "Queen of Hearts" colorized photo of the Countess of Castiglione by Pierson. Italian Virgiana Oldoini , countess of Castiglione , she was the spy of french emperor NapoleonIII, holding an oval picture frame up to her eye,. After a lifetime of being camera ready, Oldoini passed on November 28, 1899. Toward the end of her life, following a hiatus of some twenty-five years, the Countess da Castiglione resumed her sessions with Pierson. The swing pic may refer to this painting by Fragonard? Nearly two years into their marriage, in 1855, she was sent to Paris along with her husband. (originally appeared in the Chicago Tribune, 9 Oct 1898) A few superstitious Spaniards believe that the long series of misfortunes that has befallen Spain and . It was called "Nicchia". It's hard not to admire the sheer, inventive scope of the imagery, as well as the clothes: all those veils, capes, headpieces, and ornate off-the-shoulder gowns. She donned this title at the young age of 17, causing the men and women of the royal courts she subsequently frequented to know her primarily as La Castiglione. Kendra has been a fixture in the online costuming world since the late 1990s. [2] She married Francesco Verasis, Count of Castiglione, at the age of 17. Yes! By 1860, The Divine Countess had fallen from grace in Napoleons court and had become an eyesore for the Emperor who had moved onto newer conquests. Performance. But unlike our pitiful selfies, Oldoini turned self-obsession into a cottage industryin fact, its what shes famous for today. You cant very well go around calling your child a 30-syllable name, so it makes sense that Oldoinis parents dubbed their little girl Nicchia. Although infidelity is certainly close to #1 on the list of marital sins, the Countess of Castiglione didnt stop there. . I am of a different essence.". . Just a year after their marriage, in 1855, the Count and Countess travelled to Paris, to the court of Napoleon the III of France. I once watched several hours of La Vengenza (a Spanish Soap opera) when I was at home before I had to go to work on Univision. As one of her contemporaries put it more sharply, After a few momentsshe began to get on your nerves. Etsy uses cookies and similar technologies to give you a better experience, enabling things like: Detailed information can be found in Etsys Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy and our Privacy Policy. Most famously, Robert de Montesquieu collected hundreds of her photographs and wrote a biography of her that he titled La Divine Comtesse. They'd posthumously be described by critics as more morbid, more disturbed, more deranged than her earlier work. Virginia Oldoini was born into a noble family in 1837, in Florence,Tuscany. In order to give you the best experience, we use cookies and similar technologies for performance, analytics, personalization, advertising, and to help our site function. As an older woman robbed of the beauty that defined her, La Castiglione left the world quietly, in isolation and in darkness. Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, Seductive Facts About The Secret Lives Of Courtesans, These Eerie Supernatural Experiences Sent A Chill Down Our Spines, Overheard Once, Forgotten Never: These Hurtful Comments Are Completely Brutal, Everyone Has A Limit: These Moments Made People Say Enough Is Enough, Entrancing Facts About Madame de Pompadour, Frances Uncrowned Queen, These Jerks Had No Idea Who They Were Messing With. Thanks for your help! His devotion led him to confide in his cousin. Others are disquieting. View Etsys Privacy Policy. James Hyman Gallery. . Unable to confront her fading looks, the middle-aged countess insisted on spending her final years in black-colored rooms with closed blinds and no mirrors. Name : Virginia Elisabetta Luisa Carlotta Antonietta Teresa Maria OldoniBirth : 22 March 1837Death : 28 November 1899Title :The Countess of CastiglioneHusband : Francesco VerasisChildren : Giorgio Verasis di Castiglione. She goes home and has some strained conversations with a man who I presume to be her husband. The Countess of Castiglione is one of the most bewildering woman known to history. James Hyman Gallery is delighted to return to Photo London and to present the very first London exhibition of one of the greatest figures in the history of photography, the Countess of Castiglione. The Divine Countess faced a not so divine death in 1899. Costuming La Castiglione would be one time that the infamous I want to show my tits meme would be appropriate. Select from premium Virginia Oldoini, Countess Of Castiglione of the highest quality. By shooting and painting hundreds of photos to perfection, she opened the door to using photography as a medium to tell stories and create emotionally affecting . Her website, Dmod Couture, is one of the most well-known online resources for historical costumers. Visualizza altre idee su virginia, foto, croce di diamanti. Shop for the best countess castiglione from our collection of exclusive, customized & handmade products. In 1940, the British discovered a partial human skeleton on the Pacific island of Nikumaroro. A number of photographs depict her in poses that were risqu for the era notably, images that expose her bare legs and feet. Select from premium Countess Of Castiglione of the highest quality. Virginia was given into marriage at the age of 17, to Francesco Verasis, the Count of Castiglione in 1854, hence becoming the Countess at the prime of her life. The Countess de Castiglione was a rare creature indeed: a full-blown 19th-century narcissist with unlimited access to a camera. Wouldnt you know, she got custody of Giorgio for the rest of his life. The Countess of Castiglione in a photo by Pierre-Louis Pierson (c. 1863-66). "La contessa di Castiglione in una prosa di D'Annunzio" (Rome, 1973), Mario Vecchioni, ed. Commissioned by the countess herself and created under her supervision, the images more . Portrait Photography. 1:53. Yep, he wanted Oldoini to become a spybut that wasnt all he instructed her to do. The Countess continued to enjoy her expensive taste in men and self-indulgence until it took an eerie turn. In her biography, she explicitly described herself as The Eternal Father did not know what he was creating the day he sent her into the world.. "Her project, undermined by her shameless self-absorption, could not therefore be regarded as that of a true artist. At one point shes reunited with her lover: Which was notable to me, because her plaid dress, reminded me of the very first image I ever saw of the countess, in which I died over her (probably photographically altered) wasp waist |La Comtesse de Castiglione La robe cossaise byPierre-Louis Pierson, 1859 via Artsy, And then in a euphemistic shot that completely reminded me ofThe Girl in the Red Velvet Swing, shes seen on stage NO idea whats up with that, as far as I know the real countess didnt do any theater?? Glamorous, with an emphasis on form and fashion, the images were among the first of their kind. [2], In 18561857, she entered the social circle of European royalty. She also produced many photographs of herself depicting famous women from the Bible, history, and mythology. Try using a different browser or disabling ad blockers. You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. Christine Tran is a history buff(ette) and media scholar. The Countess of Castiglione in collaboration with Pierre-Louis Pierson. The count was 12 years older than the girl, and not much of a looker. Oldoini doted on the boy as only a rich mommy can, pouring all her own frustrated hopes and dreams into him. Virginia Oldoini, Countess di Castiglione ( 22 March 1837 - 28 November 1899 ), better known as La Castiglione, was an Italian courtesan and secret agent who achieved notoriety as a mistress of Emperor Napoleon III of France. Possibly her most famous photo | Scherzo di Follia (Countess Virginia Oldoini Verasis di Castiglione [18351899]) by Pierre-Louis Pierson, 186366, Metropolitan Museum of Art, La Comtesse de Castiglione (The eyes) by Pierre-Louis Pierson, 18631866 via ArtNet. Before you start screaming wtf victory rolls??! 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. Take full advantage of our site features by enabling JavaScript. It was a seemingly innocent photograph of the beautiful countess dressed up in a luxurious gownbut when the count looked closer, his blood ran cold. The film starts with the countess in her prime, at the opera, where everyone is dying over how gorgeous she is with good reason: Shes all stunning white with a giant hoop, and nobody can take their eyes off her. Well on the painting, the lady basically opens her legs so that her lover hidden in a bush can enjoy the view from below so yes, sex! Find Virginia Oldoini, Countess Of Castiglione stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. Within her abode, the blinds were always drawn against the sunlight, and its rumored that she only left her home at night. Voyeurism? Her last years were eccentric, but as in most of her endeavors, her youthful beauty drove her decisions. It was a short-lived affair, lasting less than a year. Italian Virgiana Oldoini , countess of Castiglione , she was the spy of french emperor NapoleonIII, holding an oval picture frame up to her eye,. But in the end, she would only be his mistress for less than a year, limiting her ability to manipulate him. La Castiglione lived and died for beauty, but her inner beauty wasnt up to the standards implied by her physical assets. Tags1860sCountess of CastiglioneEmpress EugenieGino Sensanigreat hairinspired by a true storyItalyNapoleon IIIshuddup I love biopics. Or something else entirely? Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. Throughout her life, the countess made use of her famous photography habit and would often send albums to her nearest and dearestall filled with picture after picture of her. Hand-tinted photographs were regarded as both a luxury and a novelty. Countess de Castiglione, from Srie des Roses, 1895 | Public Domain. But as she aged she grew more reclusive, living in a house without mirrors. The photo projects continued occasionally. All thanks to him, the relic could finally be displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where she deserves to be. . Would love your thoughts, please comment. Sadly, as well see, she might have had a darker reason for this behavior. In her own writings, she refers to herself in the third person. Though this might sound tame, these poses were so indecent by 19th-century standards, she had to crop out her face. Without a doubt, the Countess had gained much popularity among men of cadre in France. The Countess of Castiglione in collaboration with Pierre-Louis Pierson. I recently stumbled across this 1942 version starring Doris Duranti as the countess on YouTube (the other . Collect, curate and comment on your files. Virginia Elisabetta Luisa Carlotta Antonietta Teresa Maria Oldoni Rapallini (French: Virginie lisabeth Louise Charlotte Antoinette Thrse Marie Oldoni) was born on 22 March 1837 in Florence, Tuscany to Marquis Filippo Oldoni Rapallini and Isabella Lamporecchi, members of the minor Tuscan nobility; she was often known by her nickname of "Nicchia". The fashion choice let Eugenie know that even if she wasnt Empress, the countess still reigned over Napoleons heart. Some of the images are sumptuous and witty. So now Oldoini wasnt just a spy, she was a honeypot. She spent a large part of her personal fortune and even went into debt to execute this project. When he tried to gain full custody over their only son Giorgio not so subtly indicating her bitterness and disgust towards her ex-husband. Most of the images they produced were of specific characters drawn from myth, art, literature, or the Bible, including Lady Macbeth, Anne Boleyn, the queen of Eritrea, Judith before beheading Holofernes, a nun, and even a corpse. Camilo was abreast of the mesmerising effect Virginia had on men and hence he pleaded with the Countess to join hands with him. comtesse de Castiglione (1837-1899)' photo de 1895 coloristation d'apres Pierre-Louis Pierson. Vintage Photography. Creepily enough, her parents were totally fine with thisin fact, they took advantage of it in the worst way possible. Four months of attention-grabbing stunts were required for her to become Napoleons mistress. I tried to get my ex-wife served with divorce papers. There was a problem subscribing you to this newsletter. !, The real countess really did go in for HA-UGE hairstyles that arent that far off! Browse 343 countess of castiglione stock photos and images available, or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. King Napoleon III did not have a clean history when it came to being loyal to his wife. ", But Apraxine notes that the Countess' work anticipated several trends in contemporary art and feminist art in particular, prefiguring artists like Cindy Sherman, Claude Cahun, Gillian Wearing, Yasumasa Morimura, and Sophie Calle, all of whom used photography to explore the significance of dressing up, adopting appearances, and manipulating the means of being viewed by othersthough Apraxine cautions against viewing the Countess' work as feminist or a "conscious source of the pictorial innovations to follow. Read our Cookie Policy. The Metropolitan Museum of New York City held a Castiglione exhibition, including this picture, and posted it on the Internet with this paragraph as part of the notes: "At the costume ball held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 17, 1857, the Countess di Castiglione caused a sensation by . Being a fashion showstopper, she was an icon and the talk of the town. Theres just NOTHING 19th century about this look, and 2. Thanks for your time! Where Does Dust Come From, and Does it Have a Sinister Side? Turns out that while Napoleon and the countess were very pleased with themselves, Francesco wasnt so ecstatic, and her bitter husband soon demanded a separation. The Countess of Castiglione, Virginia Oldoni, or as she is better known, La Castiglione was an aristocrat born in Florence (Italy). With the conservative, almost prudish taboo the Victorians had against showing womens legs, ankles, and feet, her outfit astonished partygoers while bringing her extraordinary beauty to the forefront. Recent evidence suggests that it may have belonged to aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. Robert de Montesquiou, a French poet, was once such Romeo so obsessed with his Juliet, that he collected 400 of her photographs. Instead, she sent her ex a present in the mail. When Virginia was just 17 years old, her parents wasted no time in marrying her off to Francesco Verasis, the Count of Castiglione. On an early trip to Paris, she and her husband met with Camillo, Count of Cavour. The young girl reportedly embarked on a steamy affair with a hunky naval officer right before tying the knot, which suggests the soon-to-be notorious courtesan desired things beyond domestic bliss from the very beginning. Though the credit goes to Otto von Bismarck for his bravery, Virginia Oldioni, The Countess of Castiglione, though not following a diplomatic route, was a great influence in the Unification of Italy. According to contemporaries she had a fabulous figure and wasnt shy about showing it off. She lost her charm and beauty and took ghastly and unnatural pictures of herself, posing in a coffin with her dead dog. You can change your preferences any time in your Privacy Settings. See more ideas about countess, vintage photos, vintage photography. Well, she did pay for the consequences of her nastiness. Count Franceso went with her, and everybody knows that a middle-aged husband can really cramp your courtesan style. Plus, you know, there was the whole "other woman" thing. The Countess was a Narcissist, seeking attention and applause to the point where men found her to be a pain in the neck. You know youve made it when someone compares you to a literal goddess. And then it got worse, Despite her self-exile later in life, the Countess of Castiglione still found time to do the occasional photoshoot.but the results were chilling. In 1879, little Giorgio passed from smallpox, predeceasing his utterly bereft mother by a cruel 20 years.