The Wikipedia article for Virginia Oldoïni, Countess of Castiglione, places her behind the scenes at some critical points in Franco-Italian history, France supporting Italian unification and Prussia not occupying Paris. She was part of the demi-monde, women on the edge of society supported by wealthy lovers. The Second Empire supported a verdant demi-monde, including the Countess of Castiglione, La Paiva, and Cora Pearl. Britain wasn't far behond - beautiful women who blended into the aristocracy were known as "professional beauties" who were eagerly sought out by hostesses preparing guest lists. Professional beauties are discussed here. The most famous professional beauty was Lillie Langtry, the inspiration of Judge Roy Bean who styled himself "The Law West of the Pecos."
The Countess was aware of photography and actively participated in developing it as an art and science. She was cousin to the Conte di Cavour who oversaw the unification of Italy under the Savoia family, possibly with some pillow talk assistance by the Countess when she was with Napoleon III. She spoke to Bismarck in secret, keeping the Prussians out of Paris (but not out of making the error of declaring Wilhelm I Kaiser at Versailles, ensuring a grudge match in 1914 and another in 1939).

1857 Virginia, Countess Castiglione as the Queen of Hearts by Pierre Louis Pierson, colorized by Aquilin Schad (Bibliothèque nationale de France, Paris)

1857 Countess Castiglione as an eighteenth century Marquise by Pierre Louis Pierson (Château Compiègne, Compiègne)

Comtesse Castiglione in 18th century inspired gown she named La Marquise Mathilde first worn to Mardi Gras ball of Princess Mathilde in 1857

1860s La comtesse in lace shawl by Alphonse (Jean-Baptiste) Bernoud (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York, New York, USA)

1861-1865 Countess Virginia Oldoini Verasis di Castiglione as Anne Boleyn by Pierre-Louis Pierson (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City, New York, USA)

1861-1867 The Red Bow Countess Virginia Oldoini Verasis di Castiglione colorized print (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City, New York, USA)

1859 Countess of Castiglione wearing a dome crinoline day dress - front view by André Alphonse Eugène Disdéri

1859 Countess of Castiglione wearing a dome crinoline day dress - back view by André Alphonse Eugène Disdéri

1860s La robe de moiré by Pierre-Louis Pierson (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York, New York, USA)

1861-1867 La Frayeur (Countess de Castiglione in white 18th century dress with grape garland flees fire) by Pierre Louis Pierson

1861-1867 silk satin and velvet gown for the Comtesse di Castiglione (Los Angeles County Museum of Art - Los Angeles, California, USA)

1860s Le noeud de dentelle "Ritrosetta" by Pierre-Louis Pierson (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York, New York, USA)

1862 Contessa di Castiglione by Michele Gordigiani (location unknown to gogm - was at Comune di Castiglione Tinella)

ca. 1863 (date estimated based on age of child) "Alta" by Pierre Louis Pierson (Musée d'Orsay - Paris, France)

ca. 1863 Countess of Castiglione photo portrait probably by Pierre Louis Pierson (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City, New York, USA)

ca. 1863 Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione photo portrait by Pierre Louise Pierson (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City, New York, USA) from side

1860s La Comtesse in robe de piqué or as Judith (?) by Pierre-Louis Pierson (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City, New York, USA)

1860s Countess Castiglione by Pierre-Louis Pierson (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City, New York, USA)

1864 Comtesse de Castiglione as the Queen of Etruria by Léopold-Ernest Mayer (Château Compiègne, Compiègne)

1862-1867 Countess Virginia Oldoini Verasis di Castiglione by Pierre-Louis Pierson (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York City, New York, USA)

1860s La Comtesse seated with Fan by Giovanni Morotti (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York, New York, USA)

1860s La Comtesse in Ermine Cape by Pierre-Louis Pierson (Metropolitan Museum of Art - New York, New York, USA)
