PhD in History
Professor
The University of Georgia
Tbilisi, Georgia
ORCID: 0009-0006-4592-0873
lalipirtskhalava@yahoo.com

Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione: The Royal Court Games

Countess Virginia Oldoini (1837–1899), an Italian noblewoman and one of the most beautiful women of her time, was often called a “goddess descended from Olympus.” She was distinguished not only by her beauty and charm but also by her significant influence on historical events. Virginia served as a secret agent at the French royal court, carrying out the directives of her cousin, Count Camillo Cavour, through so-called “pillow diplomacy.”

Countess Oldoini was the most famous mistress of Napoleon III and known in France as the “Golden Symbol of the Empire’s Allure.” She possessed exceptional intelligence, multilingual skills, and mastery of music and dance. Contemporaries called her the “Pearl of Italy.” A skilled horsewoman, marksman, and unconventional smoker, she captivated European elites with her presence and charisma.

During the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, she secretly met with Otto von Bismarck, successfully persuading him to restrain from occupying Paris. She was also a prominent figure in early photography, serving as the primary model for imperial court photographer Pierre-Louis Pierson, leaving over 400 photographs. Her taste in fashion and jewelry, and her elegance, made her a renowned figure in France and Italy.

Countess Castiglione died in solitude at age 62. Following her death, French police and intelligence destroyed all documents related to high-ranking officials. By order of King Umberto I of Italy, she was buried at Père Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. Her contributions to Italy’s unification are still recognized today.

 

Keywords: Virginia Oldoini, Countess of Castiglione, Camillo Cavour, Napoleon III, Otto von Bismarck, Franco-Prussian War, Photography