Henri Cartier-Bresson

Silver print, printed 1960s, flush-mounted to card.

Estate of Robert Lassam

The World of Henri Cartier-Bresson, London, Thames and Hudson, 1968, ill. pl. 21.

This print is in overall fair to good condition. With retouching, light scratches and dents to the paper throughout the print, and a scratch in the upper right quadrant (approx. 8 cm), only visible in raking light. With small holes in the print along the top and bottom edges, and softened and creased corners and edges. With some discolouration to the mountboard on the reverse.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Once Cartier-Bresson discovered the 35mm Leica camera, he never used another format. Its ease of use and immediacy allowed him to use it as an extension of his own body and in the most discrete and unobtrusive way possible. The method he developed thanks in part to his chosen equipment allowed him to capture moments instinctively, with no delay, and to catch his subjects off-guard. In fact, in the few fashion assignments he was given at the beginning of his career, he fared poorly, as he was unpractised in interacting with his models.