Alain Paviot passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. A pioneer in the art market, he created one of the first photography galleries in France in 1974, before the medium attracted the interest of collectors. He distinguished himself by establishing himself as one of the first to advocate for photography as an art form in its own right. For this reason, he opened one of the first galleries dedicated to this discipline in France as early as 1974. His enthusiasm thus contributed to the structuring of the photography market in France. An internationally renowned expert, he first became interested in the first ever prints, those from the early days of photography in the 19th century, before embracing modern works. He paid particular attention to works by Brassaï, Man Ray, and Moholy-Nagy. His knowledge allowed him to publish approximately forty books, which remain references to this day. These publications covered various aspects of photography, from its historical development to contemporary practices, and were widely used by scholars and collectors alike. With his wife, Françoise Paviot, he ran the Galerie Françoise Paviot, located in the heart of the capital, at 57, rue Saint-Anne. The gallery became a hub for photography enthusiasts and a key player in promoting photographic art in France. Over the years, it hosted exhibitions featuring both established and emerging photographers, helping to shape the national and international photography scene. Paviot's legacy extends beyond his gallery and publications. He was a respected figure in the art world, known for his deep understanding of photographic history and his ability to connect with both collectors and artists. His contributions helped elevate photography from a technical process to a respected art form, influencing generations of photographers and art professionals.