Nadar Elevating Photography to Art

The Chevalier des Adrets is the lover of a woman of the world. He is amiable and fervent, he pretends to be passionate and devoted... one day, an alleged bailiff and an alleged bill of exchange fall like a clap of thunder into the midst of the most tender effusion of feeling... "Oh! My God!! The Baron de Wormspire, a so-called friend, has had the impudence to have me thrown into prison... He's ruined my good fortune, separated me from what I love! Oh! Friends!! What are friends?... There's no such thing as a friend!!!..." The poor woman, poor dupe, casts off her jewels, gives him everything she can, borrows, ruins herself, only to discover too late that her knight is only a knight of industry, a right Robert Macaire.

Un Guichet de théatre.

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!!

Croquade Divers

Yes my uncle, my virtuous uncle, I was a spendthrift, gambler, seducer, I had many faults, in a word I was frivolous... but you're ill, very ill, the doctors have abandoned you... I've come to aid you, to fall at your feet, I'll swear... anything you like... I'll only leave you at death, my kind uncle, my so excellent uncle! Let's embrace and put an end to it. (Macaire, sole inheritor, has his dear uncle thrown into a common pit).

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

The Ladies' Bath. Yes, my dear, it is just the way I have the honour of telling you. I was pregnant with him for eleven months and people thought I was dropsical. Would you believe that this is already six years ago? He takes after his father, drum-major of the 6th legion. Sings the Marseillaise (national anthem) by heart and has a drink in the morning like a real fire-fighter. Oh, my little darling, come here and give your mother a kiss!

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Robert Macaire, business agent. Yesterday I made a mistake when I said that your business is in good shape. It's detestable. The government owes you five hundred thousand francs, it's true, but the debt hasn't been recognized, there's a forfeiture today, you won't have a penny. However, come to think of it, there's Mr. de St. Bertrand, a rich capitalist, an imbecile, sell him your interests for a hundred crowns, that'll be a splendid deal... (aside) and not expensive.

The Grand Stairway of the Palais de Justice

Great Exhibition... of Industry and Contemporary Jokes. Enter and judge for yourself! Everything is arranged and ready: The pancake of the courts good for digestion (To the side: and difficult to digest). The Master-thief who catches all!! (save for his shadow). Liquid bitumen! (exactly). Men's shirts for the use of little children. The marvellous indestructible hats (that melt in the sun and dissolve in the rain). Dromedar cream in great demand (by fools). English beer with lots of froth (like in the newspapers). Simpleton's sublime, the classic coal of Saint Pétrain that one can put to the test (at any time).