Artwork
Portrait of Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864)
Portrait of Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791-1864) is a photography by the Impressionist artist Adrien Tournachon. It dates from 1857 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
This black‑and‑white portrait captures the composer Giacomo Meyerbeer (1791‑1864) seated in a chair, dressed in a dark high‑collared suit and white shirt. His hands are folded, and his gaze is direct, conveying a solemn demeanor. The image bears a faded oval border and the photographer’s signature in the corner.
Subject & Meaning
Meyerbeer, whose operas dominated Parisian stages and spread across Europe in the mid‑19th century, is presented here in a dignified pose that reflects his stature in the musical world. The composed expression and formal attire underscore his public persona as a leading figure of the operatic tradition.
Technique & Style
The photograph was produced by Adrien Tournachon, who signed the work as “Nadar jeune” to reference his more famous elder brother, Gaspard‑Félix Tournachon (Nadar). Executed in the realist photographic style of the era, the image emphasizes clear detail, tonal contrast, and a straightforward, unembellished representation of the sitter.
History & Provenance
Adrien Tournachon (1828‑1914) worked as a photographer in Paris, often in the shadow of his brother’s celebrated studio. This portrait, likely taken in the 1860s when Meyerbeer’s fame was at its peak, entered collections of 19th‑century photographic archives before being catalogued by museums documenting the history of photography and music.
Artist & collection
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