Tournachon

Tournachon is a French surname. The name is most often associated with Gaspard-Félix Tournachon (1820–1910), who is better known by his pseudonym Nadar. Nadar was a French photographer, caricaturist, journalist and balloonist who became a leading figure in 19th‑century French photography.

Born in Paris, Nadar built a reputation as a versatile artist and publisher. In photography, he helped popularize studio portraiture and portraiture of literary and artistic figures, shaping the visual culture of his era. He was also known for his interest in aerial photography, conducting balloon flights to obtain views of Paris and other landscapes from the air. His work extended to caricature and journalism, contributing to the development of modern press illustration and image-based storytelling.

The Tournachon name remains primarily linked to Nadar in historical and cultural references. While other individuals with the surname may exist, none has achieved the same level of international recognition in the arts or sciences as Nadar. The name is frequently encountered in discussions of the history of photography and 19th‑century French culture due to his influential contributions.