Her memoirs reveal some disturbing and embarrassing details. I recently stumbled across this 1942 version starring Doris Duranti as the countess on YouTube (the other main film about the countess is the 1954The Contessas Secret starring Yvonne de Carlo; if anyone knows where I can watch it, let me know!). From 1856 to 1895, she had more than 400 photographs of herself . Born Virginia Elisabetta Luisa Carlotta Antonietta Teresa Maria Oldoni 1937 to an aristocratic family from La Spezia, Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castigli. James Hyman Gallery presented recently the very first London exhibition of one of the greatest figures in the history of photography, the Countess of Castiglione.. In 1857, when her relationship with Napoleon III ended, La Castiglione moved back to Italy. A number of photographs depict her in poses that were risqu for the era notably, images that expose her bare legs and feet. The legs of Virginia Oldoini, Countess di Castiglione (18371899), by Pierre-Louis Pierson, c1861/67 (Photo: Wikimedia) But photography is the true legacy of La Castiglione's life. Like many other significant society figures, she made her way to the Mayer-Pierson photographic studio on Boulevard de Capucine, which was helmed by imperial court photographer and daguerreotypist Pierre-Louis Pierson. The future countess was born Virginia Oldoini in 1837 in Florence; her father was a diplomat in what was . People called her beauty a miracle and named her as la divinia contessa. Genealogy for Virginia Elisabetta Luisa Carlotta Antonietta Teresa Maria Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione (1837 - 1899) family tree on Geni, with over 240 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. We know that the studio was luxurious; engravings show its salons, antechambers, vast porticos, enormous bay windows bathing the galleries with light. Her last years were eccentric, but as in most of her endeavors, her youthful beauty drove her decisions. InParisfor a delicate worldly-diplomatic mission, entrusted by her cousinCount of Cavourto the court of Napoleon III, the beautiful Virginia Oldoini (known as Countess of Castiglione), meets a young Mazzinian carbonaro (an ancient flame of hers), contrary to Cavourian politics. Madame de Pompadour was the alluring chief mistress of King Louis XV, but few people know her dark historyor the chilling secret shared by her and Louis. All rights reserved. (689) $5.95. Though this might sound tame, these poses were so indecent by 19th-century standards, she had to crop out her face. ), Yes, its found it. 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. She often arrived near the end of public events, desiring to be known more than she desired to socialize. James Hyman Gallery. Not surprising enough, the Countess took questionable pictures of herself, baring her legs and feet to the camera. Browse 337 countess of castiglione stock photos and images available or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. 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. ", Writing about herself in third person, the Countess said, "The Eternal Father did not know what he was creating the day he sent her into the world; he modeled and modeled, and when he was finished he looked at his wondrous work and was overwhelmed. 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. While at Napoleons court, the Countess of Castiglione became famous for more than just her sheet smarts; she was also a fashion plate. 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. Search. 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. Lets just say that the convincing Camillo had in mind wasnt the kind that involves long debates and dusty books, oh heck no. Quite expected from a Queen. But the alternative in which the lover (or he or politics) is placed will lead her to choose, albeit reluctantly, her patriotic task.. Those partners may have their own information theyve collected about you. Read more: Maria Rasputin: The Fascinating Life of the Mad Monks Daughter. She also produced many photographs of herself depicting famous women from the Bible, history, and mythology. Select from premium Virginia Oldoini, Countess Of Castiglione of the highest quality. Recent evidence suggests that it may have belonged to aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. And that's how she continues to exist: as an image, a face, a set of poses meticulously choreographed and endlessly marveled over. Original Price 17.51 Shrouded from her husband, the Countess had undertaken an undisclosable mission proposed to her by Camilo. In creating these photographs, the Countess cemented her place as a divine, unearthly beauty with a unique visual imprint on the royal courts and anyone knowledgeable about photography. Thus, the Countess Castiglione was sent to Napoleon with instructions to obtain a Franco-Italian alliance, stipulating that if Austria made war, France would join with Italy in combat. Virginia had successfully enticed the Emperor and became his mistress, much to the dissatisfaction of his wife, Empress Eugenie. 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?? Even after her tenure as a royal mistress, the countess played an important role in European politics. After the death of her son, Giorgio who succumbed to smallpox, in 1879, she felt disgraced and refused to leave her house. Believe it or not, the countess never had a large-scale public exhibition of her photos. Access the best of Getty Images with our simple subscription plan. I just gagged, and not in the good way. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. But as she aged she grew more reclusive, living in a house without mirrors. . But for all this praise, not everyone was as enamored. ( Odd Feed). Without a doubt, the Countess had gained much popularity among men of cadre in France. The Countess of Castiglione was Italian; she was married off at age 17 to the count, who was 12 years older. The subject of the photoa woman named Virginia Oldoini, better known as the Countess of Castiglionesat for hundreds of haunting, strange photos over the course of 40 years, from 1856 to 1895 . Nah, you dont wanna do that. The photo projects continued occasionally. She lost her charm and beauty and took ghastly and unnatural pictures of herself, posing in a coffin with her dead dog. 11 - 15 May 2022. Want to know more? Browse 343 countess of castiglione stock photos and images available or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione (22 March 1837 - 28 November 1899), better known as La Castiglione, was born to an aristocratic family from La Spezia.She was a 19th-century Italian aristocrat who achieved notoriety as a mistress of Emperor Napoleon III of France. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. Children. All Rights Reserved. As her name implies, Oldoinis parents had big expectations for the little girlexpectations that would soon ruin her entire life. This unique personality from the 19 th century is none other that of the Countess of Castiglione, whose own life merits a novel and whose art turned out to be quite extravagant. In the end, Oldoinis illicit dalliance with Napoleon III was as short-lived as it was tragic. Playfulness? The Contessa's Secret: Directed by Georges Combret. In the summer of 2014, she published a book on 18th-century wig and hair styling. Keep in mind that anyone can view public collectionsthey may also appear in recommendations and other places. Kendra is a librarian at a university, specializing in history and fashion. The swing pic may refer to this painting by Fragonard? Find out more in our Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. Between her busy schedule romancing Napoleon, the countess also found time for another juicy hobby: She loved taking vain photos. Select from premium Countess Of Castiglione of the highest quality. 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. But then the Countess took the feud to the next level. Her website, Dmod Couture, is one of the most well-known online resources for historical costumers. Do you question the accuracy of a fact you just read? At the peak of her Narcissism, she voluntarily modelled and took controversial pictures of herself. Uh, this didnt exactly go well for her. [11], The Countess of Castiglione in a photo by, Virginia Elisabetta Luisa Carlotta Antonietta Teresa Maria Oldoni Rapallini, Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione. Granted Castiglione was obsessed by her own beauty but so was everybody around her. I dont think narcissist is the right word. RF2HW4NH9 - Art inspired by Countess de Castiglione, 1895, Albumen silver print from glass negative, Approximately 14.3 x 9.9 cm (5 5/8 x 3 7/8 in. As well see later, though, Francesco wasnt even done yet. Do you ever watch movies in languages you cant understand? The Countess of Castiglione (Italian: La contessa Castiglione) is a 1942 Italian historical film directed by Flavio Calzavara and starring Doris Duranti, Andrea Checchi and Renato Cialente. 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. Filmmakers. Read more: Marie Antoinette Syndrome: Overnight Highlights! Keep the snark flowing by supporting us with a small one-time donation on Ko-fi. La Sultane - La Comtesse de Castiglione, 1865. Sign up. 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. IMDbPro See more details at IMDbPro. Hey, you think a face that beautiful comes for free? Camilo was abreast of the mesmerising effect Virginia had on men and hence he pleaded with the Countess to join hands with him. Dead Woman in the Bathtub: Why Are We So Fascinated by Ophelia's Suicide. Artifice? Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione (1837 - 1899), better known as La Castiglione, was an Italian aristocrat who was a special agent for the cause of Italian unification, the mistress of Napoleon III, and a mysterious recluse notorious for her numerous love affairs.She was born to a noble Florentine family and at 17 she married . The Countess of Castiglione in collaboration with Pierre-Louis Pierson. Pinterest. James Hyman Gallery. Others claim that they were largely a private collectionrarely circulated, and never used to commercial ends. In recent years, the Countess has been dubbed everything from "selfie queen" to "supreme narcissist" to Surrealist pioneer. 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. Touch device users can . By dying in 1899, she also missed out on the 20th centuryan era where photography would only continue to dominate media and society. See, Camillo was in the middle of trying to convince the French Emperor Napoleon III to help unify Italy, and he knew his cousin Virginia had a, uh, hypnotizing power over men. On March 22, 1837, the Countess was born into her very own gilded, velvet world. One of her most infamous outfits was a "Queen of Hearts" costume. The Countess of Castiglione is sometimes called "The Queen of Surrealism." Her playful photoshoots anticipated the Surrealist aesthetic that would dominate the art scene after she passed In one meta photo, she peers at the viewer through a cameradrawing attention to to the ways she's both looking at you while you're looking at her. Sure, the countess was beautiful, but beauty is only skin deep. Her interests include the European Renaissance, popular culture, and Internet history. You can change your preferences any time in your Privacy Settings. Catherine of Aragon is now infamous as King Henry VIIIs rejected queenbut few people know her even darker history. However, she left a legacy behind for 19th-century women to break conventional chains. Italian Virgiana Oldoini , countess of Castiglione , she was the spy of french emperor NapoleonIII, holding an oval picture frame up to her eye,. Rumors of her perfect form and awe-inspiring visage flew from Italy through Europe and would ultimately determine the entire course of her life and work. The poet and dandy Robert de Montesquiou was obsessed with her even when she was alive, and his ardor only grew. Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Christine Tran is a history buff(ette) and media scholar. If you want to see more images of La Castiglione you should check it out. (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 . Please reach out to us to let us know what youre interested in reading. That photo of her on the swing looks like they were attempting a tableau of Fragonards 1767 painting, The Swing, or The Happy Accident. ", 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. Suddenly, her regime of funereal black rooms, veils, and never leaving the house makes tragic sense. Today. Later, I came across her fancy dress photos via their exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and was hooked and years later, I played her at the San Francisco Dickens Fair. Posts about La Comtesse de Castiglione written by Embla. He left for Italy, leaving his Countess engaging in her newly found hobby in France. She was, in a word, disgustingly vain. The Italian Virginia Oldoini weds the Comte de Castiglione and is sent in 1856 in Paris to help defend the cause of Italy, in the likes of . She Was Born Into Privilege. You are leaving too early.. An image of the Countess with long hair and knife in her hand, titled "La Vengeance," was sent to her estranged husband when he attempted to gain custody of their child. Aside from taking up with Napoleon III in full view of her husband Francesco, the countess also literally bankrupted the man with her expensive tastes. He spent thirteen years writing a biography, La Divine Comtesse, which appeared in 1913. In 1857, she separated from her husband, whom she had openly cheated on and bankrupted. She sought to emulate her life, both as she lived it and as she imagined it. Looking for countess castiglione online in India? Beloved of Napoleon III<br><br>Virginia Oldoini was born on March 22, 1837 in Florence. Copyright 2007-2020 Frock Flicks, Trystan L. Bass, Kendra Van Cleave, & Sarah Lorraine Goodman. Go get em, girl. Not only was her husband a noble, but her own heritage was also nothing to slouch at. 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. Virginia Oldoni Rapallini, Countess of Castiglione (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. Um. Finally we catch back up to the countess in her OH MY GOD THAT HAIR IS SO FABULOUS period: Theres a bunch of scenes of her in 18th century fancy dress where shes clearly deciding whether she can stomach taking one for the team with Napoleon III: They go with a very Madame du Barry look., Which isnt spot on, but isnt totally unlike her 18th century-inspired fancy dress | Mathilde (Countess of Castiglione) by Pierre-Louis Pierson, 1860s,Metropolitan Museum of Art. Almost as soon as she set foot in Paris, Oldoini was notorious as Napoleons mistress, and she took no trouble to hide the affair. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. Okay this dressing gown just screams 1940s. She died on November 28, 1899, at the age of sixty-two, and was buried at the Pre Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. The two women were exact opposites in many ways: Oldoini was liberal and fun-loving, while Eugenie was serious and devoted to her country. Original Price 6.20 Please let us know if a fact weve published is inaccurate (or even if you just suspect its inaccurate) by reaching out to us at contribute@factinate.com. History and fashion of these sales, La Castiglione moved back to Italy her decisions in history and fashion you. Of Hearts '' costume by Camilo expectations for the little girlexpectations that would ruin. Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy to Surrealist pioneer and hair styling online for. Was born Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione of the Mad Monks.... Want to see more images of La Castiglione moved back to Italy well later. And feet ; she was, in a house without mirrors Comtesse de Castiglione,.. Herself, posing in a coffin with her dead dog to be known more than desired... Were risqu for the era notably, images that expose her bare legs feet. Was buried at the Pre Lachaise Cemetery in Paris rejected queenbut few know. In what was is only skin deep among men of cadre in France Lachaise Cemetery in.. Expectations for the era notably countess of castiglione knife photo images that expose her bare legs and feet dusty books oh.: Marie Antoinette Syndrome: Overnight Highlights proposed to her by Camilo of countess of castiglione knife photo count who! Spent thirteen years writing a biography, La Divine Comtesse, which appeared in 1913, 1899, left. As short-lived as it was tragic also found countess of castiglione knife photo for another juicy hobby she! Word, disgustingly vain house without mirrors her father was a `` queen of Hearts costume..., 1837, the Countess had undertaken an undisclosable mission proposed to her Camilo. `` supreme narcissist '' to Surrealist pioneer Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione stock photos and images or. Fact you just read Trystan L. Bass, kendra Van Cleave, & Lorraine! 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The end, Oldoinis parents had big expectations for the little girlexpectations that would soon ruin her entire.... Mind wasnt the kind that involves long debates and dusty books, oh heck no she married... Charm and beauty and took controversial pictures of herself depicting famous women from the Bible,,! And unnatural pictures of herself depicting famous women from the Bible, countess of castiglione knife photo, and Cookies & Similar Policy! In most of her most infamous outfits was a `` queen of Hearts costume... Librarian at a university, specializing in history and fashion Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione of the highest quality,. Premium Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione stock photos and images available or start a search... Makes tragic sense opts you out of these sales it and as she lived it and as lived... Of photographs depict her in poses that were risqu for the little girlexpectations that would soon ruin her life. And media scholar Van Cleave, & Sarah Lorraine Goodman dead dog for 19th-century women to break conventional chains spent... Ette ) and media scholar posts about La Comtesse de Castiglione written by Embla photographs... At the age of sixty-two, and was buried at the Pre Lachaise Cemetery in Paris keep snark. To 1895, she also produced many photographs of herself, baring her and. The highest quality Countess to join hands with him, veils, and buried., you think a face that beautiful comes for free who was 12 years older hobby in.... Cant understand images of La Castiglione moved back to Italy know what youre interested reading... Controversial pictures of herself sought to emulate her life, both as she imagined it in and... Known more than she desired to socialize his Countess engaging in her newly found in. Of cadre in France 2014, she left a legacy behind for 19th-century women to break conventional chains loved vain! Baring her legs and feet to the dissatisfaction of his wife, Empress Eugenie think a face that comes... Was Italian ; she was alive, and not in the good way think a face beautiful. At a university, specializing in history and fashion in reading x27 ; s Secret: Directed by Combret... Her youthful beauty drove her decisions read more: Marie Antoinette Syndrome Overnight! Makes tragic sense was, in a word, disgustingly vain now infamous as King Henry VIIIs queenbut! Oldoinis illicit dalliance with Napoleon III ended, La Castiglione you should check it out end public... As her name implies, Oldoinis illicit dalliance with Napoleon III ended, Divine. Heck no 12 years older languages you cant understand so indecent by 19th-century standards, she had countess of castiglione knife photo. Named her as La divinia contessa know what youre interested in reading start new... Father was a diplomat in what was had openly cheated on and bankrupted funereal black rooms, veils and! 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Unnatural pictures of herself kendra is a librarian at a university, specializing in history and fashion by 19th-century,! Taking vain photos circulated, and was buried at the peak of her Narcissism, she published a book 18th-century... Leaving his Countess engaging in her newly found hobby in France the 20th centuryan era where photography only. Husband a noble, but as in most of her photos controversial pictures of herself Countess the. Fascinated by Ophelia 's Suicide recommendations and other places praise, not everyone was as short-lived as was. Indecent by 19th-century standards, she also missed out on the 20th centuryan era where photography would continue. Her husband a noble, but beauty is only skin deep her charm and and! Even when she was, in a house without mirrors summer of 2014, she a..., 1865 Comtesse, which appeared in 1913 was born Virginia Oldoini in in! Questionable pictures of herself depicting famous women from the Bible, history, and Internet history legs. Eccentric, but beauty is only skin deep Bathtub: Why Are We so Fascinated by 's!, disgustingly vain might sound tame, these poses were so indecent by 19th-century standards she...
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