Jacques Nadeau, a renowned Quebec photojournalist known for capturing iconic moments in the province’s history through his lens, has passed away at the age of 72. Nadeau, who gained fame for his striking photograph of René Lévesque playing billiards with a cigarette in hand, succumbed to cancer after a distinguished 46-year career in photography.
Originally hailing from Quebec City, Nadeau’s journey into photography was unconventional. From being a lumberjack to pursuing a career in photojournalism without a formal high school diploma, his determination led him to California where he kickstarted his photographic career before returning to Quebec during the Parti Québécois era.
Working for major publications like La Presse Canadienne and later Le Devoir, Nadeau’s images captured the essence of Quebec’s political landscape and everyday life, becoming a window for English Canada to understand the fervor of the sovereignty movement. His portfolio boasts a rich tapestry of Quebec’s key political figures and pivotal moments.
Nadeau was known for his daring approach to photography, often risking his safety to capture the perfect shot, whether in the midst of protests or historical events. Despite setbacks, such as the unfortunate theft of a significant portion of his photographic collection in 2015, Nadeau’s resilience shone through as he managed to recover part of his work, showcasing them in the book “Photos retrouvées.”
His legacy as a teacher of photojournalism at l’Université de Montréal and his contributions to the field earned him accolades, including the prestigious Antoine-Desilets Prize. Nadeau’s ability to tell Quebec’s story through his images resonates, encapsulating the province’s history in a visual narrative that speaks volumes.
