On 5 December in Puyvert, Guillaume Beckert presents a History Café devoted to old photography, its use by historians and the precautions needed to interpret these testimonies from the past.
Since Nicéphore Niépce’s first photograph in 1827, photography has become a valuable tool for historians.
But like any research source, an old image must be observed carefully and placed back into its context.
This History Café will explore how to draw information from these testimonies of the past, while avoiding the traps that can mislead less attentive observers.
An old photograph can reveal a great deal of information about a period, a place, customs or ways of life.
For historians, an image is never read in isolation: it must be compared with other sources and questioned methodically.
Photographic montages, retouched glass plates and doctored images remind us that photography can also transform reality.
Guillaume Beckert holds a doctorate in history and specialises in the South Luberon.
Author of several books, including Savants et Éducation en sud Luberon and Le tambour d’Arcole, he has been carrying out research for over twenty years within the C.L.E.F. association.
He also chairs Sud-Luberon Bocage and the Projet 1901 association, continuing his work to share knowledge about local history and heritage.
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Practical information on History Café: Old Photography in Puyvert
Opening times and periods
Saturday 5 December 2026 from 10.30 am.
Price(s)
Free of charge.
Informations
Languages