The Exposed exhibition gave me a revelation regarding the woman known as the Countess of Castiglione. Who, despite my ignorance, was an important figure in the early years of photography.
"Over the next four decades she directed Pierre-Louis Pierson to help her create 700 different photographs in which she re-created the signature moments of her life for the camera. She spent a large part of her personal fortune and even went into debt to execute this project. Most of the photographs depict the Countess in her theatrical outfits, such as the Queen of Hearts dress. A number of photographs depict her in poses risqué for the era -- notably, images that expose her bare legs and feet. In these photos, her head is cropped out."
It may just be the way my mind works - but I can really see a correlation between her and Madonna. Obviously, in a way that Madonna has been influenced by this woman - I'd be interested to see if there is a connection between the Reinvention/Klein photoshoot and the work of Pierson and the Countess.
