Artist
Adrien Tournachon(French, 1825–1903)French, 1825–1903
Artist
Nadar (Gaspard Félix Tournachon)(French, 1820–1910)French, 1820–1910
CultureFrench
Titles
- [Pierrot in Pain]
Date1854
MediumSalted paper print from glass negative
DimensionsImage: 11 1/2 × 8 9/16 in. (29.2 × 21.7 cm)
Sheet: 11 1/2 × 8 9/16 in. (29.2 × 21.7 cm)
Mount: 18 3/8 × 14 3/8 in. (46.7 × 36.5 cm)
Sheet: 11 1/2 × 8 9/16 in. (29.2 × 21.7 cm)
Mount: 18 3/8 × 14 3/8 in. (46.7 × 36.5 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by the Buddy Taub Foundation, Dennis A. Roach and Jill Roach, Directors
Object number2016.42
Current Location
The Nancy and Rich Kinder Building
Gallery 208
Exposé
Explore Further
Department
PhotographyObject Type
Before taking up the camera himself, Nadar arranged for his younger brother, Adrien, to study photography and equipped a studio for him. In addition, Nadar conceived a brilliant scheme to promote the business by asking a friend, the mime Charles Deburau, to enact a series of scenes for the camera in the role of Pierrot. The series won a gold medal at the 1855 Universal Exposition. Here, the sickness that Pierrot’s overindulgence has wrought is etched on Deburau’s face, enacted in the spasmed hand clawing at his belly and suggested by the dark shadow that seems to emanate from his mouth.
ProvenanceBy descent in the family of Charles Deburau; [Galerie Lumière des Roses, Montreuil, France, 2015]; purchased by MFAH, 2016.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscribed in pencil, verso of mount, bottom left edge: 22863
Verso: [Inaccessible]
Verso: [Inaccessible]
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Nadar (Gaspard Félix Tournachon)
1854–1855
Salted paper prints from glass negatives
2023.299.1-.11
Nadar (Gaspard Félix Tournachon)
1855
Salted paper print from glass negative
2004.613
Nadar (Gaspard Félix Tournachon)
1862
Albumen silver print from glass negative
2023.473
Nadar (Gaspard Félix Tournachon)
1862
Albumen silver print from glass negative
2023.472
Nadar (Gaspard Félix Tournachon)
1862
Albumen silver print from glass negative
2023.474
Nadar (Gaspard Félix Tournachon)
late 19th Century
Albumen silver print from glass negative
77.280
Nadar (Gaspard Félix Tournachon)
late 19th Century
Albumen silver print from glass negative
77.278