Henri Cartier-Bresson

French, (1908). Seine-et-marne.

Henri Cartier-Bresson, a master of candid photography and a pioneer of the street photography genre, forever changed the landscape of visual storytelling. Born in 1908 in Chanteloup-en-Brie, France, Cartier-Bresson's early passion for art and literature eventually led him to photography.

Notable achievements include co-founding Magnum Photos in 1947, a cooperative agency that redefined photojournalism, and his seminal book "The Decisive Moment," which encapsulates his philosophy of capturing fleeting moments with precision and grace. His iconic images, such as "Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare" and "Man Jumping over Puddle," are celebrated for their composition and emotional depth.

Cartier-Bresson's influence extends far beyond his own photography; his philosophy of "the decisive moment" continues to inspire generations of photographers worldwide. His dedication to documenting the human experience with honesty and empathy solidifies his place as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Cartier-Bresson's legacy lives on through his timeless images, which serve as windows into the soul of humanity, as well as the Magnum Foundation.

Srinagar, 1948

bride and groom, hyderabad, 1951

9 1/2” x 6 1/2”

Photographers Magnum Photo’s stamp and annotations, verso