Virginia di Castiglione is the first fashion model who ruined her husband with her hobby
Virginia di Castiglione is the first fashion model who ruined her husband with her hobby

Video: Virginia di Castiglione is the first fashion model who ruined her husband with her hobby

Video: Virginia di Castiglione is the first fashion model who ruined her husband with her hobby
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Virginia di Castiglione is an aristocrat who left behind 400 of her photographic portraits
Virginia di Castiglione is an aristocrat who left behind 400 of her photographic portraits

In the middle of the 19th century, photography was treated as something supernatural. People prepared carefully, going to the photo studio, saved up decent funds and stood motionless in front of the camera lens. However, among those wishing to be photographed, one can single out the Countess Virginia di Castiglione. In fact, this woman became the first fashion model. She was so passionate about filming and self-admiration that she left behind as many as 400 shots.

Countess di Castiglione - Italian courtesan and fashion model, 1863
Countess di Castiglione - Italian courtesan and fashion model, 1863

Virginia Aldoini was born in Florence. At 17, she married Count Francesco di Castiglione. Three years later, the couple moved to Paris. Among other things, Virginia received an assignment from her cousin, Italian Prime Minister Benso di Cavour: to charm Napoleon III and convince him not to interfere with the unification of Italy.

Favorite of Napoleon III in a dark dress
Favorite of Napoleon III in a dark dress

The Countess instantly attracted the attention of the emperor and, moreover, fulfilled her brother's instructions. The benevolence of Napoleon III to Virginia opened the doors to high society for this lady. Everyone spoke of her as one of the most beautiful women in Paris. It is worth noting that the Countess di Castiglione enjoyed listening to compliments in her direction, and her vanity grew every day.

In the middle of the 19th century, such a pose was rare for photography, 1865
In the middle of the 19th century, such a pose was rare for photography, 1865
Sleeping Countess. Photo of 1867
Sleeping Countess. Photo of 1867

Photography has become a real passion of Virginia di Castiglione. The Countess simply loved to act as a model. She starred with the photographer of the imperial court Pierre-Louis Pierson. The aristocrat not only posed emotionlessly for the camera, as was customary in the middle of the 19th century, but clearly thought out each production.

Countess di Castiglione - Italian courtesan, favorite of Napoleon III
Countess di Castiglione - Italian courtesan, favorite of Napoleon III
Virginia Aldoini, Countess of Castiglione. Photo of 1862
Virginia Aldoini, Countess of Castiglione. Photo of 1862

In fact, she did what no one had done before. Theatrical costumes, thoughtful scenery, a dragging look - her photographs were a huge success. Parisian aristocrats were not friends with the arrogant countess, but they envied her and tried to imitate her, ordering such portraits from Pierre-Louis Pierson.

In total, Virginia di Castiglione left behind 400 pictures - an unheard-of number at that time. Because of her excessive love for photography, the countess's husband divorced her after 3 years of marriage, because she almost ruined him, spending huge amounts of money on photography.

Photos of the Countess di Castiglione stand out for their thoughtful plot
Photos of the Countess di Castiglione stand out for their thoughtful plot
The Countess "Resting", 1867
The Countess "Resting", 1867

Virginia di Castiglione was so fixated on her appearance that, having lost her former freshness, she locked herself in her castle and completely stopped accepting anyone. There was not a single mirror in her house, and the walls were repainted black. The woman went outside only at night, fearing that someone might see her old face.

Countess di Castiglione in a tragic way. Photo of 1865
Countess di Castiglione in a tragic way. Photo of 1865
In addition to portraits, the Countess left many photographs of her feet
In addition to portraits, the Countess left many photographs of her feet

Literally half a century after Countess di Castiglione, staged photographs became incredibly popular. Most photographed Edwardian model was Lily Elsie … Postcards with her image spread across Europe at an incredible speed.

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