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| Atelier Nadar | ||||||||||
| L'Atelier Nadar was established in 1854 by Gaspard-Félix Tournachon (1820–1910), known as Nadar, who is often referred to as 'the father of photography'. Nadar, a French photographer, caricaturist, novelist, journalist, and balloonist, initially struggled to make a living as a journalist and caricaturist before being persuaded to take up photography. He learned the collodion process and, in 1853, teamed up with his brother Adrien in the studio. At a time when professional studios imitated portrait painting using props such as columns and curtains, Nadar recognised the power of portrait photography in conveying expression through the sitter’s pose, facial expression, and body language. He believed these elements could capture the sitter’s personality. By 1855, his portraits earned praise at the Universal Exhibition in Paris. In 1859, he opened his own studio, which saw great success. Alongside photography, he continued to work as a caricaturist and became an international figure with his ballooning adventures in the 1860s. In 1872, Nadar opened a new studio and eventually retired from photography in 1886, though he continued to write. He also founded the magazine Paris Photographe. His son, Paul, continued the work of the atelier. Nadar was known for photographing architecture, landscapes (he was the first person to take aerial photographs), and even the sewers and catacombs of Paris. However, it is his portraits that brought him acclaim. These are distinct for their plain dark backgrounds, and their simplicity and directness make them all the more remarkable. | ||||||||||
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Art