Robert Doisneau
Robert Doisneau (1912–1994) was a French photographer celebrated for his poetic street scenes and deeply humanist vision. Born in Gentilly, just outside Paris, he trained at the École Estienne in book crafts but insisted that his true education came roaming the working‑class neighborhoods of the capital. In 1929, driven by a desire to improve his draftsmanship and inspired by modernist ideas, he took up photography, first working under advertising photographer André Vigneau, where he mingled with avant‑garde artists and writers.
During the 1930s, Doisneau served as an industrial photographer for the Renault car company while quietly capturing the rhythms of Parisian life, hoping to place his images in the burgeoning picture magazines. World War II saw him join the French Resistance, lending his darkroom skills to forge identity papers for underground fighters. After the war, he returned to commercial and magazine work—shooting fashion and reportage for Vogue between 1948 and 1952—and published his first photobook, La Banlieue de Paris.
In the 1950s, Doisneau became an active member of Group XV, dedicated to advancing photographic artistry and technique. Over the following decades, he chronicled Parisians at play and at work, infusing his images with wit, gentle anti‑establishment critique, and an unwavering celebration of ordinary life. His most iconic photograph, Le Baiser de l’Hôtel de Ville (The Kiss by the Town Hall), exemplifies his gift for capturing spontaneous, heartfelt moments. Through a career spanning more than six decades, Robert Doisneau gave the world an unforgettable portrait of Paris and its people.
Photography & Works
-
Robert Doisneau
A boy behind a bench and boxes Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Créatures de Rêve Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Giacometti dans son Atelier Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
L’aéroplane de Papa Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
L’Enfer Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
La Baguette Parisienne Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Le Garde et les Ballons Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Le Petit Balcon Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Les Animaux Superieurs Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Les Glaneurs de Charbon Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Les Pains de Picasso Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Mademoiselle Wanda at Fete Foraine Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Midi a la Fonderie Rudier Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Musée des Monuments Français Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Pantheon Rue Soufflot, Paris Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Photographie Aérienne Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Picasso et Françoise Gilot Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Playing Darts in a Bar Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Tinguely, portrait de l’artiste Add to cart -
Robert Doisneau
Untitled (Le Pont des Arts, Paris) Add to cart