the collector's folio

Nadar Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Nadar our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Nadar · 1820 – 1910

Sarah Bernhardt

1864 · J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles · original 21 x 16 cm

Experience the captivating portrait of Sarah Bernhardt by Félix Nadar. This iconic 1864 daguerreotype captures her dramatic intensity and timeless beauty, showcasing a pivotal moment in theatrical history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Alexandre Dumas père (1802-1870)

1855 · Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland · original 23 x 17 cm

Experience this intimate 19th-century portrait of Alexandre Dumas by Nadar, capturing literary genius with soft realism; own a piece of Parisian history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Paul and His Dog

1865 · J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles · original 61 x 47 cm

Experience the melancholy romance of Tournachon's 1865 photograph, Paul and His Dog, capturing resilience through evocative black and white portraiture; discover this masterpiece today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23247 × 61 cm Commission at original size

Pierrot the Photographer

1854 · Musée d'Orsay, Paris

A captivating vintage portrait by Félix Nadar of Pierrot the Photographer, showcasing a clown-like figure with a camera – a pioneering image capturing early photography's charm and innovation.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

[Sarah Bernhardt as the Empress Theodora in Sardou

1889 · J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles · original 14 x 10 cm

Experience Sarah Bernhardt as the Empress Theodora by Nadar! This iconic black & white photograph captures her dramatic portrayal, showcasing artistry and historical significance. A masterpiece of early 20th-century portraiture.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Claude Debussy

1908

A vintage portrait of composer Claude Debussy by Félix Nadar, capturing his contemplative expression and artistic intensity from 1908. A classic early photographic study.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Égouts De Paris

1861

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Alexander Dumas Père

1855

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Visit of Tsar Nicolas II and the Tsarina in October 1896: Laying of the foundation stone of the Pont Alexandre III

1896

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Égouts De Paris

1861

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Piotr Kropotkin

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17732 × 31 cm Commission this artwork

Égouts De Paris

1861

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Égouts De Paris

1861

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Atelier Nadar, 35 Boulevard Des Capucines

1860

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Georges Clemenceau

1910

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Égouts De Paris

1861

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Victor Hugo

1885

A poignant sepia portrait by Félix Nadar of Victor Hugo in his final years. Explore this historical photograph’s textures & symbolism – a timeless study of aging and contemplation.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Théophile Gautier

1855

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Égouts De Paris

1861

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Sarah Bernhardt

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Égouts De Paris

1861

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Edmond De Goncourt

1877

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Mikhail Bakunin

1860

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Charles Baudelaire

1855

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Égouts De Paris

1861

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 256 artworks by Nadar
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Nadar

1820 – 1910

Quick facts

Movementspictorialism
Corpus themessocial commentary, realism, dark romanticism, documentary photography, early photojournalism
Typical colorsearthy, neutrals
Top 3 worksSarah Bernhardt, Alexandre Dumas père (1802-1870), Paul and His Dog
Died1910
Also known asGaspard-Félix Tournachon, Félix Nadar, Tournadar, نادر, Надар
Museums on APSMusée d'Orsay, J. Paul Getty Museum, Cleveland Museum of Art
Top-ranked workSarah Bernhardt

Biography

Félix Nadar: A Pioneer of Photography

Early Life and Beginnings

Born: Gaspard-Félix Tournachon on April 5, 1820, in Paris (though some sources suggest Lyon).
His father, Victor Tournachon, was a printer and bookseller.
Initially studied medicine but abandoned it due to financial constraints after his father’s death.
Nadar, as he became known, began his career as a caricaturist and novelist, contributing to various newspapers.

From Caricature to Photography

Began experimenting with photography around 1853.
Opened his first photographic studio in 1854 at 113 rue St. Lazare, later moving to 35 Boulevard des Capucines in 1860.
Quickly gained recognition for his striking and psychologically insightful portraits.
Rejection of Convention: Nadar eschewed the opulent backdrops common in portraiture, preferring natural light and a focus on the sitter’s personality.

Pioneering Aerial Photography

In 1858, Nadar became the first person to take aerial photographs using balloons.
Overcame technical challenges related to developing photographic plates at altitude by inventing a gas-proof cotton cover for his balloon baskets.
Also pioneered artificial lighting in photography, notably within the Paris Catacombs.
Le Géant: Commissioned the construction of a massive balloon named “Le Géant” (The Giant) in 1863, inspiring Jules Verne’s *Five Weeks in a Balloon*.

Major Achievements and Influences

Portraiture: Photographed numerous prominent figures including Victor Hugo, Charles Baudelaire, Sarah Bernhardt, and Gustave Courbet.
Established the world’s first airmail service during the Siege of Paris (1870-71) using balloon flights.
Hosted the first Impressionist exhibition in his studio in 1874, providing a crucial platform for emerging artists.
Published what is considered the first photo-interview in 1886, featuring chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul.

Later Life and Legacy

Moved his studio to Marseille from 1895 to 1909.
Died on March 20, 1910, in Paris and is buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery.
His son, Paul Nadar, continued the studio’s operations after his death.
Quand j’étais photographe: Published a memoir reflecting on his life and work, offering valuable insights into 19th-century photography.
Historical Significance: Nadar's innovative techniques and artistic vision profoundly impacted the development of photography as an art form. His portraits remain iconic representations of Parisian intellectual and artistic circles.

Questions & Answers

What moods do Nadar's artworks express?

Nadar's works can be browsed by mood on the artist's Mood Room page, which arranges the artworks by their recorded moods.

Where are Nadar's artworks organized by color?

The Spectral Index of Nadar is a page that organizes the artist's artworks by their colors.

What other names is Nadar known by?

Nadar appears under the alternate names Gaspard-Félix Tournachon, Félix Nadar, Tournadar, نادر, Надар.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 25, 2026

Collector's quiz

Félix Nadar is renowned for being a pioneer in what photographic technique?
Nadar's large balloon, 'Le Géant,' directly inspired a famous novel by which author?
Beyond photography, Nadar initially worked as a…
What innovation did Nadar develop to enable stable aerial photography?
Nadar is credited with organizing what significant event in 1874?

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