About

Known collectively as Bisson Frères, brothers Louis-Auguste and Auguste-Rosalie Bisson were among the most influential photographers of the 19th century, documenting Europe’s architectural and natural landscapes. Working primarily in the 1850s and 1860s, they produced large-format prints that captured cathedrals, palaces, and historical landmarks with a level of clarity that was groundbreaking for the time. Their photographs not only preserved the grandeur of these sites but also served as important visual records during an era of rapid industrial and urban development.

Bisson Frères were known for their technical innovations in early photography, experimenting with glass plate negatives and large-scale prints that pushed the limits of the medium. Their most famous expedition took place in 1860, when they attempted to photograph Mont Blanc, carrying heavy photographic equipment up the mountain—an extraordinary feat given the era’s technological limitations.

Operating a prestigious studio in Paris, the Bisson brothers worked with some of the leading figures of their time, producing photographs that were sought after by collectors and institutions. Their images were widely exhibited and helped define the aesthetic and documentary potential of photography in its early decades. Today, their work is preserved in major museum collections, offering a window into the architectural and environmental landscapes of 19th-century Europe.