Twintig portretten van Gabrielle Réjane in theaterkostuums before 1891

This book page featuring twenty portraits of Gabrielle Réjane in theater costumes was produced by Nadar, the pseudonym of Gaspard-Félix Tournachon, who was active in France in the nineteenth century. Nadar was more than a photographer; he was also a caricaturist, journalist, novelist, and balloonist. The photographs show the actress Gabrielle Réjane in her various roles. Réjane was a prominent actress of the Belle Époque, known for her naturalistic style. Photography during this period was influenced by aesthetic conventions in painting and portraiture. The theatrical context is crucial because it highlights how images could be constructed and manipulated. Réjane was very famous at that time, and she had a huge impact on Parisian society. We can see how the medium of photography has been used here to enhance the celebrity of a well-known actress of the time. Understanding this image requires an interdisciplinary approach. Consulting theater history, photography journals, and biographical accounts can provide insight into the artistic and cultural meanings of the artwork.