Nadar Elevating Photography to Art

A Dowry... - You are aware of my son's wealth, be kind enough to tell me the dowry you are giving to your daughter.... - My daughter is a treasure.. - I'm sure of that, but she... - She is worth her weight in gold... - Undoubtedly, but her dow.... - She is rich in virtue! - Wonderful, but you are giving her...? - I give her my approval, my blessing and… how to make use of it. The young man in love, marries the girl, placates his father-in-law and curses the marriage.

Un Guichet de théatre.

Yes sir, in exchange for a small premium with our insurance, you can be assured for death....for death in a proper gentlemanly manner. When you go off in a fine hearse, very comfortable, to be mourned by the poor people of the district, and leaving an inconsolable widow in golden letters on your grave.... - And if you don't keep your promises? - Then you can still give us a receipt and sue us before a tribunal.

Croquade Divers

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

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Alright, alright, I'm coming - one would think the house was on fire! - Enough about your fire!... I'm freezing. For two hours I've been pounding on the door. -(aside) that will teach you next time, not to give a tip!

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Here is your account: I owed you 150'000 Francs; I already have given you a downpayment of 100 Francs, plus another 50 Francs later, which makes the total 150 Francs. I now give you another 1'000 Francs, which brings the total to 150'000. Please be so kind to sign that we are even now.

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Exploitation of love. Oh! My darling. I cannot say how much I admire, how much I caress the charming portrait which you sent me! You even had it embellished with precious stones. What folly!! You mustn't do things like that. It grieves me... And this watch chain. How beautiful it is! How richly decorated!!... I'd like to offer you a nice present in return, something to remind you of our love and happiness... I'd like to give you a lock of my hair...