RARE Antique 1860s French Photograph Pierre-Louis Pierson The Divine Comtesse HP

  
Rare French Painted Photograph - The Divine Comtesse. Beautiful and narcissistic, she spent a lifetime cultivating her own image through a decades-long collaboration with French photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson. She controlled the project fiercely, conceiving and styling the shots and ordering detailed alterations and enhancements by professional hand-painters. In some ways she was a precursor to the modern culture of style-obsessed selfies and conceptual artists like Cindy.

This piece depicts the Divine Comtesse in a straightforward parlor pose, full gown and jewels. It is an original photograph, fully hand-painted by the artist Aquilin Schad, encased in its original matting.

Pencil writing on the front says Amaro - Volea dir chi disse - Amore. " On the back, an old label; "Portrait de la Comtesse de Castiglione, coloré par Schad, collection de Robert de Montesquiou, the French Count who collected many of her photographs and spent years writing her biography. Polish-American opera singer Ganna Walska acquired many items from Montesquiou's collection. Much of the collection is now in the Met, but t. His photograph was found in Montecito at the estate of an antiques dealer who had many items from Walska's nearby Lotusland estate.

It's a rare and singular piece with a fascinating story. MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES: Hand-colored photographic print salted paper? On the back, an old label; "Portrait de la Comtesse de Castiglione, coloré par Schad, collection de Robert de Montesquiou". PLACE OF ORIGIN: Paris, France. Photo is encased in original matting, with original notes and labeling.

Some foxing and discoloration, minor age wear to surface. DIMENSIONS: The visible area of the piece measures 7 7/8" by 9 3/4" and is matted to 12 1/4" by 14 3/4" overall. P e n c i l p o i n t e r >. Please contact me with any questions. This item is in the category "Collectibles\Photographic Images\Photographs".

The seller is "pencilpointer" and is located in this country: US. This item can be shipped to United States, all countries in Europe, Japan, Canada, Australia.

• Region of Origin: Europe
• Framing: Matted
• Country/Region of Manufacture: France
• Size Type/Largest Dimension: Medium (Up to 10\
• Listed By: Dealer or Reseller
• Date of Creation: 1860-1869
• Color: Color
• Photo Type: Other
• Subject: Celebrities & Musicians
• Original/Reprint: Original Print