La fouriure 1860s

Pierre-Louis Pierson made this albumen silver print, titled "La fouriure," meaning “the fur coat,” in France in the late 19th century. It captures a child modeling an expensive fur coat, a symbol of wealth and privilege. The photograph presents a complex view of childhood and social status. The child, dressed in luxurious attire, becomes a representation of the values of the French upper class, but the image might also be a glimpse of how powerful individuals used photography as propaganda. The composition, with the child positioned in a staged outdoor setting, emphasizes the artificiality of the scene. It reminds us of the carefully constructed image of the wealthy. Further research into the social history of 19th-century France, including the rise of consumer culture and the role of photography in shaping public perception, might reveal even more about this fascinating photograph.