Catacombes De Paris 1861

This photograph, "Catacombes De Paris," was taken by Felix Nadar in the mid-19th century, using early photographic techniques. The image is striking for its pioneering use of artificial light in an underground setting. Nadar employed the wet collodion process, a complex and painstaking method requiring careful preparation and immediate development of glass plates. The process wasn't as simple as point and shoot, there was a great amount of labor involved in the process. The resulting image, with its stark contrast and ethereal glow, reveals the textures and volumes of the subterranean space. The photograph is inherently tied to social issues such as labor, politics, and consumption, especially as it involves significant work in its creation. By venturing into the depths with his cumbersome equipment, Nadar not only documented the catacombs but also elevated photography to a form of artistic exploration. It challenges traditional distinctions between documentation and fine art, emphasizing the importance of materials, making, and context.