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The Arts Intel Report

Robert Doisneau, Given Moments

Robert Doisneau, Le Saut, 1936.

Apr 17 – Oct 12, 2025
59-61 Rue de Grenelle, 75007 Paris, France

Robert Doisneau (1912–1994) specialized in scenes of Paris and its charms. “The marvels of daily life are so exciting,” he said. “No movie director can arrange the unexpected that you find in the street.” Doisneau picked up a camera at 16. Shy at first, his signature style soon emerged. Black and white. Often whimsical. And finding majesty in fleeting moments—a girl skipping over a puddle; a baker handing off a warm baguette. Inspired by Eugène Atget, Henri Cartier-Bresson, and André Kertész, Doisneau had an instinct for the ordinary. You’ll likely recognize Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville (1950), his shot of a young couple kissing while walking—now emblematic of Parisian romance. This sweeping exhibition brings together 400 photographs by Doisneau. —Elena Clavarino

Photo: © Atelier Robert Doisneau