French Ambassador to Lima Fabrice Mauriès conferred highest French distinction Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur (Knight of the Legion of Honor) on Peru's renowned photographer Mario Testino.
"France is proud to confer the Knight of the Legion of Honor on Mario Testino,"
Mauriès stated before pinning the insignia to the famed cameraman.
Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, the Legion of Honor is the highest French decoration presented on behalf of the Head of State to reward the most deserving citizens in all fields of activity.
Foreigners are also awarded this honor for their role in cementing their country's ties with France, or for their remarkable work in areas of global significance, such as arts.
The ceremony took place on June 13 at the French Ambassador's residence in Lima in the presence of Peru's second Vice-President Mercedes Araoz.
Mauriés highlighted Testino's talent behind the camera while reviving his international career over the past decades.
"This honor comes in recognition of his work, which resulted in his close and continuous ties with France and, above all, of his human virtues and
actions in favor of his country," he said.
Testino's passion for arts and desire to credit part of his success to his country of origin led him to found, in 2012, a museum that bears his name, located in the Peruvian capital. The site is dedicated to his work and contributes to the promotion of arts across Peru.
The diplomat stressed his commitment to charitable causes in favor of the most vulnerable, such as children with cancer or HIV.
(END) NDP/RES/RMB/MVB
Published: 6/15/2017