Parigi e la fotografia: Nadar (2)

Summary

Gaspar Felix Nadar, originally a printmaker, became a pioneering photographer in 1854. He rejected painted backdrops and retouching, focusing on capturing the personality of his subjects. Nadar's clients included famous figures like Rossini, Sarah Bernhardt, and Jules Verne. He innovated with aerial photography, patenting a system in 1858, and created the first aerial photos of Paris. Nadar later introduced electric light photography and hosted the first Impressionist exhibition in 1874. Despite his many achievements, he retired in 1886, leaving his legacy to his son.

Takeaways

• 😀 Nadar, born Gaspar Félix Touron, came from a family of printers and initially worked as an editor, engraver, and draftsman.
• 😀 In 1854, Nadar transitioned to photography, opening a studio in Paris and making a name for himself in portrait photography.
• 😀 Unlike other photographers of his time, Nadar rejected painted backdrops and retouching, focusing on capturing the personality of his subjects.
• 😀 His notable clients included composer Gioacchino Rossini, actress Sarah Bernhardt, painter Jean-François Millet, and writer Jules Verne.
• 😀 Eugène Delacroix, one of Nadar's clients, asked him to destroy his photographs after viewing them, showcasing his high standards for art.
• 😀 Nadar patented an aerial photography system in 1858, capturing the first aerial photographs of Paris from a balloon named 'La Jean.'
• 😀 The success of his aerial photography prompted Nadar to move his studio to the famous 35 Boulevard Capucine in Paris, where he embraced commercial success.
• 😀 In 1861, Nadar patented the use of electric light in photography, pushing the boundaries of the medium.
• 😀 Nadar also documented the catacombs of Paris, showcasing his versatility and fascination with new perspectives.
• 😀 In 1874, Nadar hosted the first Impressionist exhibition at his studio, further cementing his status in the art world.
• 😀 Nadar became the first to create a photographic reportage in 1886, featuring an interview with chemist Michel Eugène Chevreul.
• 😀 In 1886, Nadar retired from photography, leaving his studio to his son, Paul, who struggled to maintain the family's legacy.

Q & A

Who was Gaspar Felix Touron, and what is he commonly known for?

Gaspar Felix Touron, commonly known as Nadar, was a French photographer, editor, engraver, and draftsman. He is famous for pioneering modern portrait photography and for his innovations in aerial photography.

What was Nadar's profession before he became a photographer?

Before becoming a photographer, Nadar worked as a printer in a family business, and also worked as an editor, engraver, and draftsman.

What significant change did Nadar make in portrait photography?

Nadar rejected painted backdrops and retouching in portrait photography, instead focusing on capturing the subject's natural gaze and personality against plain backgrounds.

Which famous individuals did Nadar photograph?

Nadar photographed many notable figures, including composer Gioacchino Rossini, actress Sarah Bernhardt, painters Jean-François Millet and Gustave Doré, and writer Jules Verne.

What innovation in photography did Nadar introduce in 1858?

In 1858, Nadar patented a system for aerial photography and constructed a large balloon called the 'Jean,' from which he took the first aerial photographs of Paris.

How did Nadar's aerial photography change the way Parisians viewed their city?

Nadar's aerial photography offered a completely new perspective of Paris, showing the city from the sky, which was a revolutionary way to view urban landscapes at the time.

Why did Nadar move his studio to 35 Boulevard Capucine?

Nadar moved his studio to the famous 35 Boulevard Capucine to focus more on the commercial side of photography, capitalizing on his growing fame.

What contribution did Nadar make to the use of electric light in photography?

In 1861, Nadar patented a system for photographing with electric light, which was an important step forward in the development of photography during that time.

What famous photographic work did Nadar produce in the catacombs of Paris?

Nadar created a famous photographic report on the catacombs of Paris, showcasing his pioneering work in the use of lighting and composition in dark environments.

What was Nadar's role in the first Impressionist exhibition?

Nadar hosted the first Impressionist exhibition in his studio in 1874, a landmark event in the history of art and photography.

What did Nadar do after retiring from photography in 1886?

After retiring from photography in 1886, Nadar left his business to his son Paul, who did not achieve the same level of success as his father.