The Countess

In July 1856, the Comtesse de Castiglione made her first visit to the studio of Mayer & Pierson, one of the most sought-after portrait studios. Intrigued with her own beauty, the countess would attempt to capture all its facets and re-create for the camera the defining moments of her life. Far from being merely a passive subject, it was she who decided the expressive content of the images and assumed the art director’s role, even to the point of choosing the camera angle. She gave precise directions on the enlargement and repainting of her images in order to transform the simple photographic documents into imaginary visions—taking up the paintbrush herself at times. Her painted photographs are among the most beautiful examples of the genre.

Resplendent in Callie Cline’s Swan Song gown in Plum it is hard not to look beautiful and regal. The swans are jealous at the sight of her. 

Gown: Swan Song in plum by caLLie cLine
Shoes: *SM* “Essential” Plum/Black Stiletto
Earrings: Caroline’s Pearl Shoulder Dust Earrings (Lo Lo)
Bracelet: Alienbear Design (Pearl Teardrop Pearl Bracelet (Deep black))
Tiara: Alienbear Design (Pearls tiara (deep black))
Hair: [Detour] Beloved – Brown – Flexi Hair