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Robert Doisneau (April 14 1912 - April 1 1994), French photographer noted for his frank and often humorous depictions of Parisian street life.
His most recognizable work is Le baiser de l'hôtel de ville ("The city hall kiss"), a photo of a couple kissing in the busy streets of Paris, which has come to represent the French manner of living, accurately or not, to many parts of the world.
His work gives unusual prominence and dignity to children's street culture; returning again and again to the theme of children at play in the city, unfettered by parents. His work treats their play with seriousness and respect.
Biography
- 1912 Born in Gentilly, Val-de-Marne
- 1929 Graduated from lithography school l'Ecole Estienne in Chantilly
- 1930 Camera assistant to sculptor André Vigneau
- 1932 First photo story in Excelsior (French magazine)
- 1934-39 Publicity photographer for Renault; Fired for truancy
- 1939 Drafted into the French army ("la Résistance") during World War II, where he acted as a soldier, photographer and printer
- 1946 Joined the Rapho photo agency
- 1949-52 Photographer for French Vogue
- 1994 Died in Montrouge
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