Francis Planté (French pianist, 1839-1934) 1865 - 1873

This photograph of Francis Planté, the French pianist, was created by Nadar in the 19th century. The portrait is striking for its tonal range from almost complete darkness to subtle highlights. The subject's gaze is directed away from the camera, creating a contemplative mood. Nadar's focus is on the texture and form of Planté's features and clothing. Look at the way the light catches the soft fabric of his jacket, creating intricate patterns of light and shadow. The composition, with Planté slightly off-center, adds a dynamic quality to the otherwise still image. Photography at this time was as much about capturing a likeness as it was about exploring the nature of representation itself. Nadar's use of light and shadow—a chiaroscuro effect reminiscent of painting—highlights the artificiality inherent in the photographic process, reminding us that what we see is always a constructed image, open to interpretation.