PEETERS (Benoît) - Lot 235

PEETERS (Benoît) The Metamorphoses of Nadar. Auby-sur-Semois, Marot, [circa 1990]. Large quarto, illustrated hardcover by the publisher. A fine monograph devoted to the extraordinary figure of Félix Nadar (1820–1910), a pioneer of modern photography, caricaturist, journalist, writer, aeronaut, and inventor. Rather than limiting his study to Nadar’s photographic work, Benoît Peeters brings to life the many facets of a major figure of the 19th century, whose activities spanned political caricature, the illustrated press, balloon ascents, technical experiments, and the creation of some of the most famous photographic portraits of his time. This richly illustrated volume reproduces numerous rarely published photographs, caricatures, documents, manuscripts, and engravings, accompanied by a thorough historical analysis that sheds light on the connections between Nadar’s various activities. It is one of the most accessible and comprehensive overviews dedicated to this founding figure of photography. Very good copy.