Le chemise Russe 1860s

This small photograph, "Le chemise Russe", was made by Pierre-Louis Pierson sometime in the mid-19th century. Its subdued sepia tones are characteristic of early photographic prints, often achieved through processes like albumen printing, which uses egg whites to bind the image to the paper. Looking at the photograph, we see a young girl dressed in what appears to be a Russian-style shirt. The garment, with its decorative trim and loose fit, suggests a certain level of craftsmanship, even if it's meant to evoke a foreign culture. The girl stands next to an ornate tufted sofa, highlighting the opulence associated with upper-class Victorian society. The choice of clothing and setting is likely a deliberate attempt to create an exotic, staged image, meant to be consumed by those who had the means to collect such items. Even though photography was becoming more accessible at this time, it was still a relatively expensive process. Paying attention to materials, how they are made, and the context in which they circulate allows us to fully appreciate and understand the many layers of meaning in this photograph.