Unknown dates
Jacques Belin is best known as an important photographer of the Residence. (Services of the French Protectorate in Morocco). Driven by Lyautey, the arts were strongly solicited to promote the “French” conception of Morocco : Brion and Cadet helped define an architectural style, Alfred Bel created the Batha museum, madrassas were restored and extensive photographic campaigns were carried out, obviously in the service of propaganda : show that the French presence in Morocco was at the service of a mission, of modernity, attract investors, some tourists, build an attractive image of Morocco.
But Belin was talented. He knew all the photographers of his time : Gillet, Besancenot, were interested in the rich diversity of Moroccan culture : as such, he photographed the Berber tribes ("Images of Berber Morocco" published with H. Duquaire, Crop, 1947). An exhibition in Brussels, in 2013, showed his talent : landscapes and portraits. Belin wrote in 1947 : "We would like to show the dwellings, the faces, Games, the works of the Berbers, the most ancient race of Morocco ».
The Maison de la Photographie has a collection of magnificent vintage prints by Jacques Belin. The Protectorate Archives, In Nantes, has a large fund.
Notes:
"Morocco in black and white", Center for Judeo-Moroccan Culture, Brussels, 2013
H. Duquaire, J. Belin : "Berber ", Crop, 1947
Archives of the Protectorate in Morocco : Nantes.