Juan Laurent Minier

Place: Garchizy

Born: 1816

Death: 1886

Biography:

Jean Laurent Or, In Spanish, Juan Laurent Minier; Sometimes Simply J. Laurent

, a French photographer, left an indelible mark on the world of photography, particularly in Spain, where he spent most of his career. Born in 1816 in France, Minier's life trajectory is a fascinating blend of artistic innovation and geographical exploration.

Early Life and Photography Career

Minier's interest in photography began to take shape in 1855, a pivotal year that marked the beginning of his photographic journey. He patented 'Leptographic Paper' in 1866, a breakthrough that produced positives rather than negatives, significantly advancing the field.

Settling in Spain

In 1843, Minier moved to Spain, settling in Madrid where he opened a photography studio in 1856. This move not only marked a personal shift but also positioned him at the forefront of Spanish photography.

• Jean Laurent Or, In Spanish, Juan Laurent Minier; Sometimes Simply J. Laurent was the official photographer for the Spanish Queen from 1861 to 1868.
• He opened a store in Paris in 1868 to sell his photographs of Spain and Portugal, further cementing his influence across Europe.
• A notable commission included photographing the Black Paintings by Francisco de Goya at the Quinta del Sordo in 1874, leading to his appointment as the official photographer for the Museo del Prado in 1879.

Legacy and Later Life

Minier's retirement in 1881 marked the end of an era. Following his death, the Spanish government acquired his archive, now housing over 12,000 images created by Laurent and his company, archived by the Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España. Notable Works:

• View of Alhambra from Cuesta del Chapiz (24 x 33 cm, Museo Casa de los Tiros de Granada, Spain, Photography)
• 1887 Exhibition (Museo Nacional de Antropología, Madrid, Spain, Photography)

[https://Wikioo.org/@/Juan-Laurent-Minier](https://Wikioo.org/@/Juan-Laurent-Minier) | Explore his photography at Wikioo.org. Related Artists: [https://Wikioo.org/@/Jean-Laurent-Or-In-Spanish-Juan-Laurent-Minier;-Sometimes-Simply-J-Laurent](https://Wikioo.org/@/Jean-Laurent-Or-In-Spanish-Juan-Laurent-Minier;-Sometimes-Simply-J-Laurent) | J. Laurent y Cía., a French photographer, also known for his work in Spain. Learn More: [Wikipedia: Juan Laurent Minier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jean_Laurent_(photographer)) - Discover more about Minier's life and photographic contributions.