GARDE SUISSE, INTIMITÉ

Jean-Dominique Leguay “El Padre”.

“Photography is a far more complex art than it appears, striving to show both what we see and what we don't see. Far from being an exception to this rule, the works of Jean-Dominique Leguay, known as "El Padre," capture its essence.

Deliberately abstaining from color, they go straight to the point, leaving to black and white alone the delicate task of revealing the soul of the subject captured by the lens, using the suggestive power offered by each chosen motif. The themes he has explored throughout his career remain invariably faithful to this singular quest.

Soldiers, matadors, shepherds, pilgrims, and clowns all embody and express courage, devotion, sacrifice, and a profound sense of brotherhood. Combining its military character with its inherently spiritual framework, the Pontifical Swiss Guard, in turn, provided Jean-Dominique with exceptional raw material, allowing him to directly explore the interplay of the visible and the invisible: the soul of the world's oldest army.

Through his artistic exploration of light and shadow, and with meticulous attention to detail, he presents us with one of his signature humanist reportages.”

Maximilien Ambroselli, Doctor of Art History.

“I am honored to be a member of the Army Painters Association, in the capacity of photographer, and I am also a member of the Société des Artistes Français (French Society of Artists), photography section.

In preparation for the 500th anniversary (2027) of the sacrifice of 137 Swiss Guards during the Sack of Rome in 1527, I wanted to present a photographic project on the "Pope's soldiers." The aim is to document the various aspects of these men's lives within their military service.

I was fortunate enough to have direct access to the daily life of the Guard between May 2024 and January 2026. The photographs were taken at the Vatican, in locations used by the Pontifical Swiss Guard, such as its external service posts, the Apostolic Palace, the barracks, St. Peter's Square, and a military training ground in Switzerland.

This entire photographic project will be published as an art book and exhibited in several symbolic locations.

The art direction of this book, “Swiss Guard, Intimacy,” was entrusted to Duncan Whyte. It comprises approximately 200 photographs, texts from Popes addressed to the Guard, and introductory texts by Fabrice Hadjadj, Colonel Christoph Graf, Commanding Officer of the Guard, Corporal Eliah Cinotti, and Father Kolumban Reichlin, the Guard's chaplain.

This unique work on the life of the Guard will be printed by Escourbiac to ensure a perfect reproduction of the emotions I experienced during my time with this very old military institution.”

“El Padre”

Photography : Jean-Dominique Leguay dit “El Padre”

Authors : Fabrice Hadjadj, le Colonel Christoph Graf, le Caporal Eliah Cinotti, P. Kolumban Reichlin.

Editorial Direction : Gilles Cargueray, Camille Gallet

Artistic Direction : Duncan Whyte

Forewords : Le Colonel Christoph Graf, Fabrice Hadjadj,

Proofreading : Catherine Guichardon

Languages: French, German, Italian, English

Original edition : 56€

Limited Edition (including a signed print 20 x 30 cm) : 156€

Préorder : 46€ instead of 56€ until the 15th of januaty 2026

Worldwide delivery

ISBN :

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