Catacombes De Paris 1861

Felix Nadar’s "Catacombes De Paris" (1861) is a striking example of early photography's ability to capture the hidden spaces of Paris. The image depicts a stone marker, possibly a memorial plaque, nestled amidst the dark and foreboding subterranean tunnels of the Parisian Catacombs. Nadar, a pioneer of aerial photography, captured the stark contrast between the smooth surface of the marker and the rough, textured walls of the Catacombs, hinting at the complex and layered history of the city beneath the streets. His work explores the duality of Paris, showcasing both the beauty and the eerie darkness that co-exist within its depths.