Jean Giletta was a French photographer born on July 31, 1856, in Nice, which was at that time part of the Kingdom of Sardinia and later became a part of France. He became one of the most significant photographers of the French Riviera, capturing the region's landscapes, architecture, and burgeoning tourism industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Giletta opened his first photography studio in Nice in 1881. With a keen eye for composition and detail, he traveled extensively across the Côte d'Azur, documenting its natural beauty and the daily lives of its inhabitants. His photographs are valued not only for their artistic merit but also for their historical significance, providing a visual record of the region during a period of significant change and development.
Throughout his career, Giletta was a prolific creator, producing a vast array of postcards, albums, and prints that were popular among tourists and locals alike. His work was instrumental in promoting the French Riviera as a luxury destination. Giletta's photographs were often characterized by their sharpness, depth of field, and the ability to convey the luminosity of the Mediterranean light.
Jean Giletta continued to work up until his death on October 28, 1933. His legacy endures through his rich collection of images that continue to be celebrated for capturing the essence of the French Riviera during the Belle Époque. Today, Giletta's photographs are considered an invaluable resource for understanding the historical landscape of the region and are frequently exhibited in museums and galleries dedicated to the history of photography and the French Riviera.