Henri Le Secq (1818-1882)
Jacques-Louis Henri Le Secq des Tournelles was born in Paris. Between 1835 and 1840 he studied sculpture in James Pradier’s workshop, and painting with Paul Delaroche, together with Gustave Le Gray, Charles Nègre and Roger Fenton.
In 1848 he began a career as a photographer. In 1850, his views of Amiens Cathedral in preparation for the restoration carried out by the architect Viollet-le-Duc, attracted attention.
In 1851, as a member of the Heliographic Society, he was chosen by the Commission des monuments historiques [Historical monuments commission] to participate in the Heliographic Mission. Working on the religious buildings in Champagne, Alsace and Lorraine, Le Secq used the calotype process for his shots, which he translated into salted paper prints.
From 1852-53 onwards he photographed the mediaeval part of Paris destined for demolition, as well as Montmirail Forest.
Although recognised as a purist in architectural photography, Henri Le Secq gradually moved away from it in favour of still lifes and more symbolic images.
