Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Félix Nadar died in 1910; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 1980.
In context
Catacombes De Paris — Félix Nadar
Shaded: the lifetime of Félix Nadar (1820–1910) ▲ this work, 1861
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Measured from the image
Main colour
Phthalo Green #262626
Catalogued palette
Artist and museum
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Look closely
Catacombes De Paris — Félix Nadar
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