Henri Cartier-Bresson

Henri Cartier-Bresson was born on August 22, 1908, in Chanteloup-en-Brie, France. He grew up in an affluent French family, which supported his early interest in the arts. Cartier-Bresson originally studied painting but turned to photography in the 1930s. He became one of the founders of street photography, a style that captures candid moments in public spaces.

On May 22, 1947, Henri Cartier-Bresson co-founded Magnum Photos, a cooperative photo agency, along with Robert Capa, David Seymour (Chim), and George Rodger. Magnum was established to allow photographers to have editorial freedom and control over the use of their images. This agency became a significant force in photojournalism, and its members have included many of the great photographers of the 20th and 21st centuries.

In December 1952, Henri Cartier-Bresson published 'Images à la Sauvette', known in English as 'The Decisive Moment'. This book contained some of his most famous photographs and a preface describing his approach to photography. The 'Decisive Moment' became a core concept in the philosophy of candid photography. Cartier-Bresson's notion of capturing fleeting moments in time was influential and became integral to the field of photojournalism.

Henri Cartier-Bresson retired from active photography and shifted his focus back to drawing in 1966. While he continued to be involved with Magnum Photos, his primary creative outlet after this point was painting and sketching. His retreat from professional photography marked the end of an era for Magnum, where his influential photographic work had greatly contributed to the collective's prestige and continued growth.

In November 1974, Henri Cartier-Bresson was given the honor of being the first photographer to exhibit at the Louvre in Paris. This retrospective was a major acknowledgment of Cartier-Bresson's impact on the art world and his standing as a master photographer. The exhibition helped to elevate photography to the level of fine art and confirmed Cartier-Bresson's status as one of the foremost photographers of his time.

In January 2000, the Henri Cartier-Bresson Foundation was established in Paris to preserve the photographic legacy of Henri Cartier-Bresson and his wife Martine Franck. The foundation aims to promote the work and vision of Cartier-Bresson by organizing exhibitions, artwork preservation, and supporting emerging photographers. The foundation acts as a center for photography enthusiasts and scholars worldwide interested in the decisive moment and Cartier-Bresson's work.

The Henri Cartier-Bresson Award was inaugurated on June 25, 2003. It is given every two years by the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson to support photographers in the production of a significant new project. This prestigious award recognizes the values associated with Cartier-Bresson's approach to photography, encouraging and sustaining original and important work within the field. It aims to perpetuate the spirit and vision of Cartier-Bresson in contemporary photography.

Henri Cartier-Bresson passed away on August 3, 2004, at the age of 95 in Montjustin, Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, France. He left behind a legacy of works that inspired numerous photographers and defined modern photojournalism. His concept of the 'decisive moment' continues to influence photography today. Cartier-Bresson's death marked the end of an extraordinary life of creativity spanning both war and peace, revolutionizing the field of twentieth-century photography.

In May 2006, two years after his death, Henri Cartier-Bresson was posthumously awarded the Légion d'honneur, one of France's highest honors. This award recognized his outstanding contributions to art and photography. Cartier-Bresson's work had captured essential moments of 20th-century history and influenced generations of photographers, cementing his role as a pioneering figure in the art of photography.

On April 6, 2010, the Museum of Modern Art in New York exhibited "Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Modern Century," showcasing over 300 iconic photographs spanning Cartier-Bresson's career. This exhibition was a comprehensive presentation of his work, highlighting his contribution to the art of photography. It underscored his unique ability to capture the human condition in a rapidly changing world, through moments that are both intimate and universally accessible.