The Nadars, a photographic legend

The Nadars

fr

Countess della Torre draped in white

Félix Nadar, 1857

Salt-paper print from a collodion glass negative, 22.1 x 14.5 cm.
BnF, Prints and Photographs Department, EO-15 (4)-PET FOL
© Bibliothèque nationale de France
This is a surprisingly modern - or rather timeless - portrait of an Italian aristocrat visiting the French capital. The white-on-white silhouette is wondroulsy light and airy. The letter in which she requested an appointment allows us to confirm the date.