Edmond About c. 1853 - 1879

This photograph of Edmond About was created by Nadar during a time when photography was used to immortalize public figures. About’s gaze holds significance; it is direct, engaging the viewer with an almost confrontational intensity. We find this commanding gaze echoed across centuries, from classical sculptures to Renaissance portraiture. Think of Roman emperors whose piercing eyes were meant to convey power and authority, or even the Mona Lisa’s enigmatic stare. Here, it conveys About's intellectual prowess. The oval frame in which About is presented, a motif harking back to ancient cameos, further elevates him, placing him within a lineage of esteemed figures. These visual cues tap into our collective memory, subconsciously associating About with timeless ideals of wisdom and leadership. This symbol has evolved to denote a space for remembering, and is a powerful force engaging viewers on a deep, subconscious level.