Gondinet 1853 - 1876

This portrait of Gondinet was made with photography by Nadar, active in France in the 19th century. In its time, photography was a relatively new medium – a chemical process applied to paper. It automated image-making in a way previously unimaginable. Notice the way Nadar has posed Gondinet. He is presented as a serious man of stature, his gaze direct and his attire formal. The tonal range is impressive, from the deep blacks of his suit to the subtle gradations of light on his face. The mount is an integral part of the presentation, adding to the overall effect of bourgeois respectability. The rise of photography was intertwined with the Industrial Revolution. It democratized portraiture, making images accessible to a wider public. Yet, it also raised questions about labor. While the camera automated image creation, skilled labor was still needed for the chemical processes and printing. Understanding this tension helps us appreciate the social context of this portrait, which blurred the lines between art, craft, and industry.