Stéphane Mallarmé 

Curator: Gazing at this, I immediately sense such gravitas and contemplative calm. A stillness hangs in the air. It feels as though we’re intruding upon a moment of deep thought. Editor: This portrait captures Stéphane Mallarmé, the Symbolist poet, by Félix Nadar, a well-known photographer who portrayed many significant figures of his era. We believe this image originates from around the late 19th century. Curator: Nadar really captures the essence, don't you think? You almost hear the scratching of his quill on paper. It's an amazing study in light and shadow, considering, of course, its black and white nature. The texture is beautiful – from the plaid of his shawl, and the way it sits on his shoulders, to the gentle creases around his eyes... the little details speak volumes. Editor: Absolutely. Nadar, benefiting from technical advances in photography, made portraiture far more accessible. Consider that while photographic portraits became trendy among the bourgeoisie, figures like Mallarmé chose photography over painting. This indicates the artistic merit photography gained during the later part of the 19th century. His portraits contributed significantly to how these personalities were publicly perceived, playing a critical role in the construction of their public image. Curator: Public image is important, and I always find myself wanting to know what the "private" soul feels in this image, you know? Was he happy, tormented, inspired...? There's something about those knowing eyes, and his firm, pursed mouth. I want to know the story behind that moment, that quiet tableau. Editor: Well, considering Mallarmé's poetry explored the suggestive and evocative use of language, and his resistance to definitive interpretation, this photograph also resists providing easy answers. It allows the viewer to project and interpret, much like his verses. We’re left contemplating, piecing together the puzzle. Curator: A beautiful puzzle, indeed. He certainly knew how to play with words and, clearly, Nadar, masterfully knew how to capture it! What a collaborative dance they make through art. Editor: Indeed. Each artist in their domain contributes to a broader cultural portrait, constantly influencing the way we understand artistic and intellectual history. It gives a vivid, breathing, almost corporeal link to the past.