Nadar’s Legacy Continues: From Parisian Icon to Marseille’s Canebière
A pivotal chapter in the history of photography unfolded in Marseille around 1910, as the renowned studio of Félix Nadar transitioned into the hands of Fernand Detaille, solidifying a legacy of innovation and artistic vision. The story reveals a complex succession, born from financial hardship and a commitment to preserving a groundbreaking photographic enterprise.
The Pioneering Spirit of Nadar
Félix Tournachon, better known as Nadar (1820-1910), was a towering figure in 19th-century France. Initially celebrated as a prolific caricaturist capturing the essence of Parisian political, literary, and artistic life, Nadar quickly distinguished himself as a leading photographer during the Second Empire. He wasn’t content with conventional portraits; instead, he relentlessly pursued technical exploits, most notably inventing aerial photography using a balloon in 1858.
However, Nadar’s life wasn’t without turbulence. During the tumultuous Paris Commune, he dedicated himself to the ambitious, yet ultimately ruinous, construction of airships. This venture led to significant financial setbacks, a period of hardship that would shape his later decisions. “All this is well known,” sources indicate, “the rest is a little less so.”
A New Beginning in Marseille
Following these misfortunes, Nadar, with his health already declining, sought a fresh start in Marseille in 1897. He established a studio and laboratory on rue de Noailles, which would later become part of the iconic Canebière. The business quickly flourished, demonstrating Nadar’s enduring talent and the growing demand for photographic services.
Recognizing the need to secure the studio’s future beyond his own lifetime, Nadar strategically brought on a partner: Fred Boissonnas (1858-1946), a photographer from Geneva who was also a skilled portrait painter. This partnership, formed in 1901, proved crucial in ensuring the continuation of Nadar’s work.
The Succession of Detaille
In 1902, Boissonnas took a further step to safeguard the studio’s longevity by inviting his young student, Fernand Detaille (1875-1954), to join the team as an assistant. Boissonnas didn’t stop there; he extended a loan to Detaille, enabling him to eventually acquire the company.
This carefully orchestrated transition culminated in 1910, when Detaille fully repaid the loan and became the sole proprietor. The studio’s name evolved accordingly, first becoming Boissonnas and Detaille, successors of Nadar, and finally, Detaille, successor of Nadar. This marked a significant moment, representing the passing of the torch from one generation of photographic innovators to the next, and ensuring Nadar’s artistic vision would continue to thrive on the Canebière.
