The Countess of Castiglione in collaboration with Pierre-Louis Pierson. [8], The Countess's life was depicted in a 1942 Italian film, The Countess of Castiglione,[9] and a 1954 Italian-French film, The Contessa's Secret, that starred Yvonne De Carlo.[10]. 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. According to reports from the time, they were constantly changing from green to a brilliant blue-violet. The Countess of Castiglione had no love lost for Empress Eugenie, Napoleon's wife. Touch device users can . With her notorious ways, she succeeded in enticing king Napoleon III to help unify Italy, which was achieved in 1861. She was . 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. He listened. Atget would record the soul of the city. I recently stumbled across this 1942 version starring Doris Duranti as the countess on YouTube (the other . Explore. On one famous evening, Napoleon III was leaving as she was making her grand entrance, You are too late, he said. Find out more in our Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. I just gagged, and not in the good way. Another wrote that, at gatherings, she would "allow people to her admire her as if she were a shrine She almost never spoke to women. Flavio Calzavara. 1860. Its said that she expected to be admired by those who shared her company, and that her conversation was often grating, as it centered around herself and her needs exclusively. Sadly, as well see, she might have had a darker reason for this behavior. One of her most infamous outfits was a "Queen of Hearts" costume. Thanks! 4.68, 6.20 She wished to set up an exhibit of her photographs at the Exposition Universelle (1900), though this did not happen. She was also a significant figure in the early history of photography. The Metropolitan Museum of New York City held a Castiglione exhibition, including this picture, and posted it on the Internet with this paragraph as part of the notes: "At the costume ball held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on February 17, 1857, the Countess di Castiglione caused a sensation by . Theres no doubt that the French court was initially obsessed with the countess, and she became the It Girl du jour. Do you ever watch movies in languages you cant understand? dressed in a gorgeous gown and holding a knife in her hand, titled "La Venegance . While many photos elevated her, her wardrobe, and the inventiveness of her spirit, other photosespecially those taken in her later yearswere unsettling or macabre. Oldoini never did reconcile with her husbandand though this would get her into trouble later, she didnt much mind for the time being. Um. Artist Pierre-Louis Pierson. Though this might sound tame, these poses were so indecent by 19th-century standards, she had to crop out her face. Artifice? Performance. Cookies and similar technologies are used to improve your experience, to do things like: Without these technologies, things like personalized recommendations, your account preferences, or localisation may not work correctly. Although the still-teenaged Oldoini jumped at the chance to go to Paris and get away from her hum-drum life, there was one big wrench in her plans. Well on the painting, the lady basically opens her legs so that her lover hidden in a bush can enjoy the view from below so yes, sex! She would not live to see the Exposition where she planned to debut her photos. Boards are the best place to save images and video clips. If you want to see more images of La Castiglione you should check it out. Not even she was entitled to look at the waning beauty of the Countess of Castiglione. WWE Survivor Series 2006 | movie | 2006 | Official Clip . The Countess of Castiglione is one of the most bewildering woman known to history. Factinate is a fact website that is dedicated to finding and sharing fun facts about science, history, animals, films, people, and much more. Her room was painted black, windows sealed and mirrors removed from every nook and cranny. Not surprising enough, the Countess took questionable pictures of herself, baring her legs and feet to the camera. In case its not clear yet, the Countess of Castiglione wasnt a girls girl. She has bracelets on each wrist and hair partially pinned up, one ringlet trailing down her neck. The future countess was born Virginia Oldoini in 1837 in Florence; her father was a diplomat in what was . There are masks and silk robes and, in one photograph, just a bedspread draped suggestively. Unfortunately, acquiring so many exceptional dresses, capes, and headpieces required lavish spending. His devotion led him to confide in his cousin. Being a fashion showstopper, she was an icon and the talk of the town. 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!). ARCHIMEDES The Greatest Mathematician and Inventor, Habu Sake Facts & Information You Should Know About, How do Lobsters Communicate? Hand-tinted photographs were regarded as both a luxury and a novelty. 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. 3 A Scurvy Expedition. 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. This was all supposed to change at the turn of the century, when the aging model finally had big plans to display her collection of over 700 photos at the Exposition Universelle in Paris. This sartorial talent even once allowed her to make a legendary statement. Once there, she looked the courtesan up and down before sniffing, The heart is a little low, madam. This major solo exhibition includes over fifty rare portraits of the Countess from the 1850s to the 1890s. Chinese Woman and Marquise, 1861-1867. Children. Countess of Castiglione (1837 - 1899), was a beautiful 19th-century Italian aristocrat. When her husband threatened to obtain custody of their child, she replied by sending him a photograph of herself in her Queen of Etruria costume, pointing a knife at the viewer. Countess de Castiglione, from Srie des Roses, 1895 | Public Domain. 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. She was also a significant figure in the early history of photography. This type of data sharing may be considered a sale of information under California privacy laws. Virginia had friends in high places. The best part? Commissioned by the countess herself and created under her supervision, the images more . Her ego was so grand that she usually refused to speak to women, regarding them as inferior to her beauty. A portrait of the Countess of Castiglione. This is the famous "Queen of Hearts" colorized photo of the Countess of Castiglione by Pierson. Want to tell us to write facts on a topic? As a result, he became the most photographed child of the 19th century. . "The Countess, who was perceived as a disturbing character whose motives were unclear, was understood to have taken up photography merely to satisfy her narcissism," he argues. La comtesse de Castiglione - Passy, 1861-1867. She may have been persuasive because Paris was spared Prussian occupation.[5]. ), Yes, its found it. Her narcissism in regard to her own photographic image was a precursor to the self-portraits we've seen throughout the 20th century. Wouldnt you know, she got custody of Giorgio for the rest of his life. Nevertheless, her allure and artistry came with a baggage, known to only a few. In 1855, she had a brief affair with King Victor Emmanuel II of Italy, who nicknamed her "Nini". During her relationship with the French emperor, she met Augusta of Saxe-Weimar, Otto von Bismarck and Adolphe Thiers. As well see later, though, Francesco wasnt even done yet. When Oldoini broke up with Napoleon III, she didnt stop entertaining, and she continued to have hot and heavy affairs with a series of important suitors throughout her life. Detail, Louis Pierson's photographic portrait of the Countess of Castiglione, ca. Most tragically, this was not to be. . Courtiers were delighted with her flamboyant entrances to parties, and her costumes were always impeccable. Vintage Photography. She often hand painted over her photographs and directed her shots, to put forward her best angle, much like a supermodel. Contents hide. He left for Italy, leaving his Countess engaging in her newly found hobby in France. The daughter of Tuscan nobles, her birth name wasdeep breath for thisVirginia Elisabetta Luisa Carlotta Antonietta Teresa Maria Oldoini. She was partly responsible for Italian unification due to the influence she had upon the Emperor. I dont think narcissist is the right word. When the Countess bragged and showed off the many gifts the emperor gave her, these lapses in her discretion prompted the dissolution of their relationship. Most of the images they produced were of specific characters drawn from myth, art, literature, or the Bible, including Lady Macbeth, Anne Boleyn, the queen of Eritrea, Judith before beheading Holofernes, a nun, and even a corpse. She rarely left its walls (painted black, of course) during daylight hours. Great! Christine Tran is a history buff(ette) and media scholar. On one occasion, she boldly appeared at a ball on the emperor's arm, dressed as the Queen of Heartsprompting the empress to angrily quip, "The heart is a bit low, Madame.". It holds just the right amount of intrigue with its arrangement of material and mirrors, as well as its ambiguous message: Vanity? Find Virginia Oldoini, Countess Of Castiglione stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. In fact, he specifically told the countess to succeed by whatever means you wishbut succeed. Instead, she sent her ex a present in the mail. After teaming up with photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson, Oldoini amassed over 700 19th-century selfies. Others are disquieting. She lost her charm and beauty and took ghastly and unnatural pictures of herself, posing in a coffin with her dead dog. She returned to Italy in 1857, appalled by her slowly wrinkling face, discolouration of her skin and losing the twinkle in her eye, which caught her lovers in a trance. Browse 343 countess of castiglione stock photos and images available or start a new search to explore more stock photos and images. (Her cousin, the minister Camillo Cavour, reportedly told her to "succeed by any means you wishbut succeed!") The Contessa's Secret: Directed by Georges Combret. Her name was Virginia Oldoini, and after marrying Count Francesco Verasis da Castiglione, she acquired the title that would make her famous: Countess of Castiglione. The photograph, titled "Portrait in a Black Dress," is commonly assumed to be the first Pierson took of . Tap into Getty Images' global scale, data-driven insights, and network of more than 340,000 creators to create content exclusively for your brand. Want to know more interesting facts? Gaining the attention of Napoleon III proved more difficult than expected. Virginia Oldoini, Countess di Castiglione ( 22 March 1837 - 28 November 1899 ), better known as La Castiglione, was an Italian courtesan and secret agent who achieved notoriety as a mistress of Emperor Napoleon III of France. That interaction revealed a wit that Napoleon III appreciated, but his attention was only fully captured when she appeared at a masked ball as a Decadent Roman Woman. James Hyman Gallery is delighted to return to Photo London and to present the very first London exhibition of one of the greatest figures in the history of photography, the Countess of Castiglione. But then the Countess took the feud to the next level. Now I know better. From 1856 to 1895, the Countess di Castiglionea great beauty and shameless narcissistcollaborated with photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson on more than 400 self-portraits. George Frederic Watts painted her portrait in . Virginia Elisabetta Luisa Carlotta Antonietta Teresa Maria Oldoni Rapallini (French: Virginie lisabeth Louise Charlotte Antoinette Thrse Marie Oldoni) was born on 22 March 1837 in Florence, Tuscany to Marquis Filippo Oldoni Rapallini and Isabella Lamporecchi, members of the minor Tuscan nobility; she was often known by her nickname of "Nicchia". The Countess of Castiglione was popular in the court of Emperor Napoleon III. While Germany was considering occupying France, Oldoinis old friend Otto von Bismarck called her up personally and set up a secret meeting to ask her advice on the matter. 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. The separation wasnt just an idle threat, either. Her interests include the European Renaissance, popular culture, and Internet history. I would prefer a more historical and clothing accurate movie than the 1940s one and Im wondering since the countess was a supporter of the Italian Union did she know the Milanese Countess Maffei who was portrayed in the biopic series Verdi which had good costumes? Library. Granted Castiglione was obsessed by her own beauty but so was everybody around her. Find Countess Of Castiglione stock photos and editorial news pictures from Getty Images. And that's how she continues to exist: as an image, a face, a set of poses meticulously choreographed and endlessly marveled over. Beloved of Napoleon III<br><br>Virginia Oldoini was born on March 22, 1837 in Florence. Now, the problem is the film is in Italian without any English subtitles, and my knowledge of Italian is limited to ordering food and booking hotel rooms. In 1857, when her relationship with Napoleon III ended, La Castiglione moved back to Italy. Her photographs werent just about the clothes she was wearing but also about who was wearing them, putting Oldoini up with the likes of Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. comtesse de Castiglione (1837-1899)' photo de 1895 coloristation d'apres Pierre-Louis Pierson. Although the union gave Virginia the name we know her by today, it didnt give her a whole lot else. Sometime during her separation proceedings, the Countess of Castigliones estranged husband decided to ramp up the bitterness and do something truly horrific. In 1879, little Giorgio passed from smallpox, predeceasing his utterly bereft mother by a cruel 20 years. Count Franceso went with her, and everybody knows that a middle-aged husband can really cramp your courtesan style. Visual content is copyrighted to its respective owners, and inclusion here is under fair use for criticism, comment, and news reporting purposes. He eventually collected over 400 photos in her massive collection, which are now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Mariah Carey could never. She was an important figure to the history of photography during the 19th century. I forget where I read that the centrifugal force generated by the action of a swing creates pressure on the female genital organs, and therefore mildly stimulates them. Genealogy profile for Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione. 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.. So now Oldoini wasnt just a spy, she was a honeypot. Now, the problem with the Countess of Castiglione as a frock flicks subject is that the two main movies about her are in Italian, and hard to track down. How Are Cotton Candy Grapes Made? 7 The First Model. Portrait Photography. She was also a significant figure in the early history of photography . The use of most of her photos is unclear. She returned to Italy only briefly after her royal affair fell apart, but she just couldnt stay away from her beloved France. My mom never told me how her best friend died. I dont know Spanish more than some numbers and a handful of words to order deli items. The photo was entitled La Vengeance. Strangely, it's hard to find out much about the impact of Castiglione's photos during her own lifetime. Giorgio, in turn, adored her. Yes! Countess of Castiglione. The Countess continued to enjoy her expensive taste in men and self-indulgence until it took an eerie turn. After four years in Italy, her political acumen was vindicated when the Kingdom of Italy was proclaimed. Giorgio Verasis di Castiglione (1855-1879) 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. She was renowned for her beauty, which helped take her life in a couple of interesting directions. Moreover, these rudimentary special effects could smooth, enhance, and flatter their subjects, transforming and elevating them. Very sad. He was twelve years her senior. You might call her the Godmother of the staged Surrealist selfie. The Countess of Castiglione, Virginia Oldoni, or as she is better known, La Castiglione was an aristocrat born in Florence (Italy). All rights reserved. But whether the relationship was for business or pleasure, it nonetheless helped the Countess establish an immediate reputation. Many times, her self-absorption got the better of her and instead of seducing her dancing partner, she only made them yawn. Feb 22, 2015 - Explore Roderick Johnson's board "Countess of Castiglione", followed by 175 people on Pinterest. Select from premium Virginia Oldoini, Countess Of Castiglione of the highest quality. 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 . Though the credit goes to Otto von Bismarck for his bravery, Virginia Oldioni, The Countess of Castiglione, though not following a diplomatic route, was a great influence in the Unification of Italy. Years later, I was using her phone when I made an utterly chilling discovery. Sign up for our newsletter. 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?? 1-set-2021 - Esplora la bacheca "La CONTESSA DI CASTIGLIONE." di Giancarlo Assenti su Pinterest. Nearly two years into their marriage, in 1855, she was sent to Paris along with her husband. that it may have belonged to aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart. From her bedroom exploits to her tragic downfall, the Countess of Castiglione is one historical figure worth knowing. Shrouded from her husband, the Countess had undertaken an undisclosable mission proposed to her by Camilo. He asked Virginia to travel to Paris and convince Napoleon the III to be their aide in the unification of Italy. The Countess was a rebel, she did not conform to the traditional roles of a woman and a wife, as it was expected of her and did what she pleased. As an older woman robbed of the beauty that defined her, La Castiglione left the world quietly, in isolation and in darkness. A Collection of Vintage Photos featuring the Countess de Castiglione (La Divine Comtesse) Posted by Embla on October 24, 2019 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 . She sought to emulate her life, both as she lived it and as she imagined it. "Our separation is irrevocable," he wrote furiously, returning to Italy alone. What actually happened was even more disastrous. Okay this dressing gown just screams 1940s. Kendra is a librarian at a university, specializing in history and fashion. Join thousands of others and start your morning with our Fact Of The Day newsletter. Pinterest. At Factinate, were dedicated to getting things right. In these photos, her head is cropped out. She replied in kind, No, Sire. Italian Virgiana Oldoini , countess of Castiglione , she was the spy of french emperor NapoleonIII, holding an oval picture frame up to her eye,. This scandalous move of hers took the forum by surprise. Italian Virgiana Oldoini , countess of Castiglione , she was the spy of french emperor NapoleonIII, holding an oval picture frame up to her eye,. The countesss totally unbiased response? (689) $5.95. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpDoq0k649w. Soon enough, it all came crashing down. She had many lovers, including a banker of the Rothschild family and the then director of the Louvre Museum.[2]. So, I basically got about 1% of the dialogue, and very little of the story, so it was basically like watching a beautiful silent film. The film portrays the life of the nineteenth-century Italian aristocrat Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione, best known as the lover of Napoleon III of France. | Gown for the Comtesse di Castiglione, Ert (Romain de Tirtoff), 1861-1867, LACMA. Sure, the countess was beautiful, but beauty is only skin deep. Obsessed with her own image, the Countess de Castiglione was more than a mere narcissist. They had a son, Giorgio. The meeting takes place precisely at the crucial moment of the countesss intrigues at the French court, and seeing her ancient love rekindles in her the passion never completely dormant. Want to know more? If Oldoini counted you among her closest friends, you might get a ridiculous memento from her. Critics have noted how morbid her late period images are, with the countess doing things like placing herself inside a coffin and posing with the body of her late terrier pup. But in the end, she would only be his mistress for less than a year, limiting her ability to manipulate him. First, a gorgeous photo of her in stunning plaid with a crazy wasp waist turned up in a history textbook my freshman year of college. Knowing that Napoleon III was easy to seduce, he begged the Countess of Castiglione to plead the case for Italian unification to the emperor. This major solo exhibition includes over fifty rare portraits of the Countess from . Theres an unfortunately LONG TIME spent in this questionably costumed/haired period: 1. He served in a political role as a minister of the King of Sardinia, who desired the unification of Italy. Other than spending days dallying with her Romeo, the countess developed a new hobby during her expedition in France. She seems to have made being beautiful the cornerstone of her identity and so was unable to cope when she began to age, though she remained a fine looking woman she no longer matched her self image. One choice cringey line? 4,500. 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. She died on November 28, 1899, at the age of sixty-two, and was buried at the Pre Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. She ended her life as a recluse hiding in darkened apartments. . Would love your thoughts, please comment. The poet and dandy Robert de Montesquiou was obsessed with her even when she was alive, and his ardor only grew. Her level of control over these projects cannot be. Copyright Odd Feed 2023. Now, the problem with the Countess of Castiglione as a frock flicks subject is that the two main movies about her are in Italian, and hard to track down. In her biography, she explicitly described herself as The Eternal Father did not know what he was creating the day he sent her into the world.. Though most of the 700+ photos depicted her wearing her singularly extravagant outfits, some photos were salacious for the time, depicting her naked legs and feet. When he tried to gain full custody over their only son Giorgio not so subtly indicating her bitterness and disgust towards her ex-husband. Throughout her life, the countess made use of her famous photography habit and would often send albums to her nearest and dearestall filled with picture after picture of her. IMDbPro See more details at IMDbPro. Keep in mind that anyone can view public collectionsthey may also appear in recommendations and other places. After the death of her son, Giorgio who succumbed to smallpox, in 1879, she felt disgraced and refused to leave her house. Learn more. Watch fullscreen. Along with photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson, Virginia managed to take around 700 photographs of herself. In 1857, barely a year after the well-heeled couple traveled to Paris, Count Francesco left court for his native Italy in a huff, leaving his young, impressionable wife behind. The Countess of Castiglione made her mark in very difficult times. Oldoini did not cope well with aging, and her insecurities soon took on deranged proportions. She allegedly had an illicit love affair with a naval officer, right before the day of her marriage to the Count, tagging herself with an anarchist title. !, The real countess really did go in for HA-UGE hairstyles that arent that far off! Translation: Your cleavage is showing, betch. I once watched several hours of La Vengenza (a Spanish Soap opera) when I was at home before I had to go to work on Univision. All Rights Reserved. Yes, but in film, swinging seems to have been used as a euphemism for sex I wonder how far back that goes? You've already signed up for some newsletters, but you haven't confirmed your address. Grow your brand authentically by sharing brand content with the internets creators. Turning off personalized advertising opts you out of these sales. Learn more in our Privacy Policy., Help Center, and Cookies & Similar Technologies Policy. 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. While she was lauded as Venus descended from Olympus, she was exceptionally self-absorbed. 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. In the summer of 2014, she published a book on 18th-century wig and hair styling. The swing pic may refer to this painting by Fragonard? ( Odd Feed). Whichever interpretation you prefer, it's probably a fitting one. Italian Virgiana Oldoini , countess of Castiglione , she was the spy of french emperor NapoleonIII, holding an oval picture frame up to her eye,. Italian Virgiana Oldoini , countess of Castiglione , she was the spy of french emperor NapoleonIII, holding an oval picture frame up to her eye,. Well, she did pay for the consequences of her nastiness. After sitting for her first portrait, the Countess returned again and again, working intensively with Pierson from 1856 to 1867, and then again towards the end of her life in the 1890s. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content. Public collections can be seen by the public, including other shoppers, and may show up in recommendations and other places. Our credibility is the turbo-charged engine of our success. The Countess was painted by the artist Jacques-mile Blanche after her death. Select from premium Countess Of Castiglione of the highest quality. Historys most fascinating stories and darkest secrets, delivered to your inbox daily. Here is the version with Yvonne De Carlo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UpDoq0k649w. Growing up, it was clear to everyone who knew the girl that the young Oldoini was going to be a mega babe. Countess of Castiglione Facts. Your suggestions can be as general or specific as you like, from Life to Compact Cars and Trucks to A Subspecies of Capybara Called Hydrochoerus Isthmius. Well get our writers on it because we want to create articles on the topics youre interested in. Original Price 6.20 In recent years, the Countess has been dubbed everything from "selfie queen" to "supreme narcissist" to Surrealist pioneer. That wasp-waisted dress is the plaidest thing I have ever seen! The daughter of a diplomat, Virginie di Castiglione grew up lonely in a large palazzo in Florence, the home of her grandfather, Lamporecchi, a well-known jurist . When we do, we depend on our loyal, helpful readers to point out how we can do better. Copyright 2007-2020 Frock Flicks, Trystan L. Bass, Kendra Van Cleave, & Sarah Lorraine Goodman. Kendra has been a fixture in the online costuming world since the late 1990s.