The words ‘poetic’ or ‘picturesque’ are often used to describe Doisneau’s photographs. They seem a bit like sudden fiction to me, compressed stories, as if they could spool out into longer films. They are definitely an antidote to Existential angst.
Nice piece. There are several French photographers around Doisneau who did what the French refer to as 'humaniste' photography. There is a nostalgic, wish-I-was-there simpler life in these photographs. Public services were less developed, there were lots of clochards (street people), but when you see the markets, the bars and restaurants, there are certainly worse places to be. Thank you.
Thank you. It is interesting to compare nostalgia. I just visited a show in Edinburgh which was full of post-war Glaswegian poverty albeit full of character and charm.
Fantastic piece to read on a Monday morning. I had a postcard with the image of the young woman sitting by the mirrors on and always wondered who'd taken it. I will delve deeper! His photos remind me of the work of Evelyn Hofer, though much less colourful.
Glad to hear it! I spent far too much money in the bookshop of The Photographers Gallery upon seeing an exhibition on her last year but have yet to regret the decision.
Thanks for the good vibes. I don’t know much of Doisneau’s photos beyond the kiss (which I used to have hanging on my student wall). Your post has encouraged me to dig deeper.
I loved the romanticism of going to Paris, smoking Gitanes, reading Camus, wearing an Oxfam overcoat, supping wine and being swept off my feet by une jeune femme.
Another fine piece Neil.
Thanks Malcolm, hope to catch up soon.
Thanks a great read - I’ve often overlooked Doisneau for the same reasons discussed here but these images really are wonderful
Thanks Neil!
The words ‘poetic’ or ‘picturesque’ are often used to describe Doisneau’s photographs. They seem a bit like sudden fiction to me, compressed stories, as if they could spool out into longer films. They are definitely an antidote to Existential angst.
That’s a great description. Compressed stories. Love it.
What great images! I wonder if Elliott Erwitt was influenced by him as Erwitt’s work is also usually full of humor.
Great article. My favorite Doisneau photo is "Cavalerie Sur le Champs de Mars."
https://artisticafineart.com/products/cavalerie-sur-le-champs-de-mars-1969-by-robert-doisneau?variant=45126485999889
The playfulness of the subject of the photo is enhanced by the playfulness of the title. I love his sense of humor.
Thank you. He is such a great presence in the history of photography.
Nice piece. There are several French photographers around Doisneau who did what the French refer to as 'humaniste' photography. There is a nostalgic, wish-I-was-there simpler life in these photographs. Public services were less developed, there were lots of clochards (street people), but when you see the markets, the bars and restaurants, there are certainly worse places to be. Thank you.
Thank you. It is interesting to compare nostalgia. I just visited a show in Edinburgh which was full of post-war Glaswegian poverty albeit full of character and charm.
Wonderful piece! Always liked that photo of Picasso and had no idea it was taken by Doisneau.
Fantastic piece to read on a Monday morning. I had a postcard with the image of the young woman sitting by the mirrors on and always wondered who'd taken it. I will delve deeper! His photos remind me of the work of Evelyn Hofer, though much less colourful.
Thank you, William, very happy to hear. You've now sent me down a Evelyn Hofer rabbit hole and I've ended up buying her book with VS Pritchett.
Glad to hear it! I spent far too much money in the bookshop of The Photographers Gallery upon seeing an exhibition on her last year but have yet to regret the decision.
Thanks for the good vibes. I don’t know much of Doisneau’s photos beyond the kiss (which I used to have hanging on my student wall). Your post has encouraged me to dig deeper.
Thanks Andrew. That poster was incredibly popular. Do you remember why it spoke to you?
I loved the romanticism of going to Paris, smoking Gitanes, reading Camus, wearing an Oxfam overcoat, supping wine and being swept off my feet by une jeune femme.
Classic! That still sounds very cool to me.