NADAR

Nadar was a proponent of heavier-than-air flight. In 1858, he became the first person to take aerial photographs. Photographic portraits by Nadar are held by many of the great national collections of photographs. His son, Paul Nadar (1856–1939), continued the studio after his death.The correspondent is possibly Philippe GILLE (1831-1901) who was a French dramatist and opera librettist, who was born and died in Paris. He was photographed by Nadar in the 1870s. He is probably referring to Hippolyte de VILLEMESSANT (1810-1879) who was a Conservative French Journalist and was also photographed by him. Emile VIEUSSEUX (1824-1890) was a Florentine painter who worked in Nadar's studio in Paris. TranscriptionPHOTOGRAPHIE NADAR SPÉCIALITÉ D'AGRANDISSEMENTS NOIRS ET PEINTS51, rue d'Anjou St. Honoré, 51. (Hôtel privé). Paris, le 25 fevrier 1878Mon cher Gille, Vieusseux désire envoyer à l'Exposition le portrait de Villemessant. Je ne te rappelle pas que l'Exposition de ce portrait était convenue et Vieusseux compte qu'au moins là il aura satisfaction due. Comme il veut revoir et reprendre un peu ce portrait avant l'envoi au Salon, réponds-nous le plus vite possible si nous pouvons le fair prendre chez le propriétaire. Respects affectueux à Madame Gilles et à Madame Massé. Ton. NadarTranslationNADAR PHOTOGRAPHY SPECIALISING IN BLACK AND WHITE COLOURED ENLARGEMENTS51, rue d'Anjou St. Honoré, 51. (private residence). Paris, 25th February 1878Dear Gille, Vieusseux wants to put Villemessant's portrait in the Exhibition. I need not remind you that we agreed to the portrait in question being exhibited and Vieusseux expects that at least there he will have due satisfaction. As he wants to have the portrait back and touch it up a bit before sending it in, let me know as soon as possible if we can take it directly from the owner. Please remember me to your wife and Mrs Massé. Yours. Nadar.