Frédéric Boissonnas

Fred Boissonnas ( born June 18, 1858 in Geneva, † October 17, 1946 ) was a Swiss photographer who was especially famous for his paintings of Greece.

Life

His father Henri Boissonas was instrumental in helping to make Geneva at an early center of the photograph. While his younger brother Edmond -Victor (1862-1890) was particularly fascinated by the technical side of photography and with its plates attracted attention in 1882 at the World Exhibition in Vienna, enjoyed François -Frédéric (called " Fred" ) a more artistic to the oriented education. After a few publications on Swiss topics he won in 1900 a gold medal at the Universal Exhibition of Paris and was then increased international markets. From a first trip to Greece ( with Daniel Baud -Bovy ) he brought with him a few thousand photos, and published in 1910 the book La Grèce par monts et par vaux. Further journeys led him in 1911, 1912 and 1913 to Greece. In 1913 drops his first ascent of Mount Olympus, he undertook together with Baud-Bovy and the Greek Christos Kakalos. Further journeys led him to Egypt, and on Mount Athos.

The importance of images of Boissonnas is partly in their artistic quality, which manifests itself especially in the masterful handling of light and shadow. In addition to her immense documentary value: Boissonas interested not only for Antiquities and unspoiled landscapes, but also for the inhabitants of the land, which he recorded in their work or as posturing groups. They are invaluable documents for the history of Greece in the early 20th century.