Nadar: Portraits of a Gilded Age

In 1862, Japanese envoys first visited Europe, witnessing the marvels of the Industrial Age. Meanwhile, Parisian photographer Nadar captured the era's iconic figures through his lens: from the Japanese samurai to poet Baudelaire, from painter Manet to novelist Hugo. Nadar's portraits transcended mere likenesses, revealing the vibrant personalities and zeitgeist of their time. This article explores 19th-century Parisian culture and the impact of technological change through the lens of Nadar's famous subjects.