Untitled (Man in Chair, Profile)

Adam-Salomon was born in 1818 in La Ferté-sous-Jouarre, France. The son of a Jewish merchant, he grew up in Paris. He studied sculpture with David d'Angers and exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1847 to 1861. In the late 1850s, Adam-Salomon became interested in photography and began to experiment with the medium. He quickly became known for his portraits, which were highly regarded for their technical excellence and artistic sensitivity. His photographic subjects included many notable figures of the time, such as Napoleon III, Victor Hugo and Gustave Flaubert. Adam-Salomon's photographic work was characterised by his use of natural light and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. He was particularly skilled at creating dramatic contrasts of light and shadow, which gave his portraits a sense of depth and dimensionality. Despite his success as a photographer, Adam-Salomon continued to work as a sculptor throughout his life. He created numerous busts and statues, many of which can still be seen in museums and public spaces throughout France. Adam-Salomon died in 1881 at the age of 63. His legacy as a sculptor and photographer is still celebrated today.