Nadar (Gaspard-Félix Tournachon) , studio portrait, carte-de-visite

Gaspard-Félix Tournachon (1820–1910), better known by his pseudonym Nadar, was a French photographer, caricaturist, journalist, and novelist, best known for his pioneering work in the field of photography. Born in Paris, Tournachon began his career as a writer and caricaturist, contributing to various satirical publications before turning to photography in the 1850s.

Nadar is considered one of the early masters of portrait photography, capturing the likenesses of some of the most prominent figures of the 19th century, including writers, artists, and intellectuals such as Victor Hugo, Gustave Flaubert, and Émile Zola. He was particularly known for his innovative use of artificial lighting, which helped to elevate portrait photography to an art form.

Aside from his photographic work, Nadar was an adventurous spirit. In 1863, he became the first person to take aerial photographs, using a hot-air balloon to capture images of Paris from above. His interest in aviation and exploration also led him to be involved in the early history of ballooning.

Nadar was also a prominent figure in French cultural and intellectual circles, and his work as a photographer and journalist contributed to the broader cultural landscape of his time. His contributions to the arts, particularly in the development of portrait photography, left a lasting impact on the medium.

He lived to be 90 years old, and his legacy as one of the most important early figures in the history of photography continues to be celebrated.