Robert Doisneau. Paris. (Taschen 45th Edition) - Jean Claude Gautrand

Robert Doisneau: Paris – 45th Edition, written by Jean Claude Gautrand and published by Taschen, celebrates the remarkable career of one of the most beloved photographers of the twentieth century.

Robert Doisneau is widely recognized as a leading figure of Photographie humaniste, a photographic movement that flourished in France during the 1950s. His work captures everyday life with sensitivity, humor, and deep compassion for human experiences.

Doisneau became famous for his poetic photographs of Paris and its people, portraying fleeting moments of affection, humor, and authenticity. His images transform ordinary scenes—street corners, cafés, workers, children playing—into timeless visual stories that celebrate the beauty of everyday life.

This comprehensive volume gathers Doisneau’s most iconic photographs of Paris, alongside many lesser-known images that reveal the same warmth and humanity that define his work. Through these photographs, readers travel through the streets of Paris, the working-class suburbs where Doisneau grew up, and the environments that shaped his artistic vision.

The book also includes numerous quotes from Doisneau himself, offering insight into his thoughts, artistic philosophy, and the sensitivity that characterizes his photography.

For this publication, author Jean Claude Gautrand, a longtime friend of Doisneau, had unrestricted access to the extensive archives of Atelier Robert Doisneau, making this volume one of the most complete explorations of the photographer’s life and work.

Main Themes

• The humanist photography movement in 20th-century France
• Everyday life and authentic moments in Paris
• The beauty of ordinary people and daily gestures
• Social observations of working-class neighborhoods and city life
• The artistic vision and philosophy of Robert Doisneau

Why You Should Read This Book by Jean Claude Gautrand

• Features many of Doisneau’s most iconic Paris photographs
• Includes rare and lesser-known images from the photographer’s archives
• Created with access to the Atelier Robert Doisneau photo archive
• Written by renowned photography historian Jean Claude Gautrand
• A beautifully produced Taschen photography edition

Robert Doisneau: Paris is a timeless tribute to one of photography’s greatest storytellers. Through his unforgettable images of Parisian life, Doisneau captures humor, tenderness, and humanity, reminding us that the most extraordinary moments often occur in the simplest everyday scenes.