The Nadars, a photographic legend

The Nadars

fr

Sarah Bernhardt in The Foreign Woman, a comedy by Alexandre Dumas fils

Paul Nadar, 1876

Silver print, 26.5 x 21 cm.
BnF, Prints and Photographs Department, EO-112 (6)-FOL B BOX
© Bibliothèque nationale de France
Although Sarah Bernhardt had her picture taken at all the great international studios of her time, Paul Nadar stands out for the number of portraits that he did of the famous actress. From personal ones to staged scenes from her many roles, she excelled in the art of expression and body language, making her an ideal photographers' model. For many years, Sarah Bernhardt remained one of Nadar Publications' most popular subjects.