Nadar Elevating Photography to Art

The Absent-Minded. This artist, after having been to the Salon, is seized by a sublime inspiration and approaches his canvas. All of a sudden, tones of music, the most piquant effect the most delicate touch promising a masterpiece. 2, 3, 4 hours gone by and something as appealing as a Titian, Michelangelo is left to posterity..... Afterwards, once his excitement has subsided, he realizes..... he had forgotten to use the brush.

Un Guichet de théatre.

Let's be quite clear. - Bertrand is going to sneak in and out of the groups at the stock exchange and polish up the tarred bitumen shares, he'll make them sparkle, he'll say they're being snapped up, snatched up all round, that they're rising like balloons... As for you, Baron, you have a certain 'savoir faire', go and buy some for 20%, 30%, even 100% more. I've got the whole lot in my wallet, they won't be able to deliver any, we'll sell them for what we like and providence will do the rest. - (Bertrand) Forward march against the dupes, let's cash in... fly... etc.

Croquade Divers

Trouvé-Chauvel. Strict guardian of the Republic's finances, citizen Trouvé-Chauvel never separates himself from the treasure, even when he goes to the National Assembly. It is true that it is very easy for him to carry it over his shoulder. This minister has an obsession, which is making him quite unhappy; he wants to balance revenue with expenditure, but he cannot find the means to this end.... also, he doesn't like people saying to him: - have you found it, Chauvel?....

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Preparing for the baccalaureate. - There are two ways in which you might pass your exams: the first way is to let someone else take your place; the second is to take them yourself. - I would like to take them myself. - Very good!... Do you know Greek? - No. - Latin? - None the more. - Excellent!... Do you know your Math? - Not at all. - What do you know then? - Nothing. - But you've 200 francs? - Of course! - Splendid... You'll be passed next Thursday. - You mean you're going to prepare me in eight days? - What do you think!!!!... It's true that I've taken on the responsibility for your success, but for teaching you... Oh no! Certainly not!!

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Edward Weston with Cats

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Washington Crossing the Delaware