Adrien Tournachon

Adrien Tournachon was a photographer active during a foundational period of the medium, with his documented output spanning the years 1853 to 1857. Nine photographs attributed to the artist are represented in major international museum collections, establishing his presence in the nascent era of photographic documentation and portraiture.

Tournachon’s preserved works demonstrate versatility, encompassing formal portraiture alongside specialized scientific documentation. Notable portraits held in collections include Absalon, Pascaline, and a documented [Self-Portrait]. He also captured the likeness of contemporary figures, such as the portrait of sculptor Emmanuel Frémiet. Furthermore, the plate Electro–Physiologie, Figure 64 suggests his involvement in the documentation of early scientific studies or medical illustration.

The enduring relevance of Tournachon’s output is established by its inclusion in prominent American institutions. Major museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the National Gallery of Art, hold examples of Adrien Tournachon prints. The preservation of these objects ensures that museum-quality images from the 1850s remain accessible for research and viewing. As these pioneering works move further into the public domain, they continue to inform the history of 19th-century photographic practice.