Nicéphore Niépce

Joseph Nicéphore Niépce (7 March 1765 – 5 July 1833) was a French inventor and photography pioneer whose work transformed visual technology forever. Born in Chalon-sur-Saône, France, into a well-educated family, Niépce had a passion for science and mechanics from a young age. After studying science and serving as a staff officer under Napoleon Bonaparte, he left public service to dedicate himself to invention and research. In 1807, with his brother Claude, Niépce developed the Pyréolophore, one of the first internal combustion engines, successfully test…