Pierre-Luc-Charles Cicéri

Art Historical Context

This salted paper print by Nadar offers a compelling example of early photographic portraiture from the mid-19th century. Created between 1855 and 1860 using a glass negative, the image measures 23.5 by 18.7 centimeters and depicts Pierre-Luc-Charles Cicéri with a direct, intimate gaze. Nadar, a pioneering French photographer, was known for his ability to reveal the character of his sitters through careful lighting and composition, helping to establish photography as a respected artistic medium rather than simply a technical novelty. The salted paper process itself was significant during this period, as it allowed for rich tonal gradations and fine detail that brought a sense of immediacy and realism to portraits. Nadar’s work in this format captures the cultural moment when photography began documenting notable figures of French society, blending technical innovation with personal insight. Now part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection in the Department of Photographs, this piece was given by Marie-Thérèse and André Jammes in memory of Samuel J. Wagstaff Jr. It remains a testament to the artistic potential of the medium in its formative years.