Jean-Baptiste Tournassoud (1866-1951)

Jean-Baptiste Tournassoud, French photographer, was born in Montmerle s/Saône in 1866.

Son of a shoemaker and with nothing more than an elementary degree in carpentry, Tournassoud decides to stay in the army after completion of his military service in 1887. A career in the military offers him an opportunity to climb the social ladder and, thanks to his sharp mind and his great intelligence, Tournassoud reaches the rank of Major by the time he retires. While officer of the "Legion d'honneur" he receives the French "Croix de Guerre" as well as the "Medaille du Sauvetage" and the "Medaille d'Or des Allies".

Tournassoud's love for photography develops very early on. In 1900, he befriends the Lumiere brothers and becomes, along with them, one of the very first photographers to experience with the Autochrome. Whether at home with his family or away on assignments, Tournassoud will take several thousands of photographs -in black and white and in color- ranging from scenes of military life including the First World War, portraits, family life, landscapes and still lives. The World War gives him an opportunity to carry out many photographic missions on the front line: these missions brought him a special mention for "invaluable services rendered in the line of duty". In October 1918, he is named director of the army's Photographic and Cinematographic Section within the office of the Minister of War, George Clemenceau.

In 1920, Major Tournassoud retires from the army after 32 years of service and moves to his native Montmerle where he will devote himself to photography until the end of his life. Back in his village he becomes a photographer of animals. His "portraits" of animals gives him great notoriety especially when he publishes his work on "the great French thorough-bred horses". Tournassoud would also take photographs of his surroundings including industrial landscapes, monuments and cities. With the eye of a painter and an excellent knowledge of the rules of composition he will produce spectacular still life imagery. Using people from his village as models, he will stage scenes of daily life to illustrate the folklore, traditions, and the different crafts of his region.

Jean Tournassoud devoted himself to his art until his death in 1951. He leaves behind an impressive collection of pictures filled with poetry, humor and sensitivity. He took thousands of black and white photographs and a large number of Autochrome plates. He was an excellent technician behind the camera as well as in the darkroom. The day before his death, at age 84, Tournassoud is seen standing in front of his hyposulfite bath, taking his last pictures.