Nadar Elevating Photography to Art

The other day, I pulled off another smart trick... I had set up a firm with a capital of ten million francs to exploit top boots in cardboard ... I had placed only eight shares worth a petty 1200 francs... I called together my eight shareholders and held forth in something like the following manner: "Ah! Good-day ye strolling gentlemen, how handsome you are, how fine you seem!" I promised them more cheese than bread, I gave them a 50% dividend, I warmed them up a bit and let them simmer... The following day they couldn't get hold of my shares fast enough, I placed all of them and at the next meeting I said: "The last time I did the books I made a mistake. I forgot to take into account the price of the cardboard and its fabrication. You must return the dividend I gave you, I'm going to hold it back... I put down nothing and kept back the r

Un Guichet de théatre.

Robert Macaire at the restaurant. - My God!... By the most appalling error my friend and I forgot to take some money this morning... As you don't have the honor of knowing us, may I offer you as collateral for the 6 francs, 25 centimes we owe you these ten shares of the newspaper La Presse, or perhaps my friend's hat. - I would really prefer your friend's hat!

Croquade Divers

The early morning caller. This person enters your home early in the morning and walks stealthily like a thief. If you wake up, he pretends having entered the wrong apartment, looking for a Mr. Pierre or a Mr. Paul. He is abashed with apologies and retreats after carrying off what has fallen into his hands. This man works around all the hotels, knowing that the travellers have the habit of leaving their key in the door.

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Now I understand why this chap was so quiet all the time..... instead of reading quietly in his Greek dictionary, he was indulging in a novel by de Kock.... Oh my God.... where is this all going to end!!

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

(Aside): God! my poor boy... how ugly you are! (Openly): Compliments to Madame! (aside): With a face like yours, you shouldn't be walking on the streets during daytime.

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Exploiting friendship. My dear Alphonse, I've invited these gentlemen, my friends, to dine at your home. I would like them to taste our champagne, we'll laugh... wait a minute! I've an idea. What if we went to the wood? We could take your barouche and you could lend us some clothes as we only came to pay a simple visite... In the meantime, why don't you give us some cards and some Napoleons to pass the time. Eh? My good Alphonse, dear chap. How about it?