Nadar

Research Status: Basic Last Updated: 2025-07-06 Diary Coverage: Up to 1874-04-16

Identity

Famous French photographer (Félix Tournachon, 1820-1910), known professionally as Nadar, pioneer of photography.

Diary References

1874

• April 16: An old photographer from Nadar's studio at Monaco pavilion shows excessive admiration for Marie: "il a une admiration extraordinaire pour ma personne" (he has an extraordinary admiration for my person). His attention disgusts her.

Context

• Most famous photographer in France
• Studio photographed celebrities, artists, writers
• Known for aerial photography
• Had studios in Paris and other cities
• Employees represented his prestigious brand
• Marie's disgust at unwanted male attention

Historical Context

• Photography studios as social spaces
• Celebrity portrait culture
• Professional photographers at expositions
• Male gaze and young women

Research Notes

• Nadar's photographic empire
• Photography at 1870s expositions
• Inappropriate attention to young women