The Story Behind Cartier-Bresson's Iconic 'Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare'
Get ready for a fascinating tale of art, photography, and the pursuit of the perfect shot. Henri Cartier-Bresson, a legend in the world of street photography, created an iconic image that has become synonymous with his name. But here's the twist: he broke his own rules to capture it!
In a video by The Gaze, art historian Matthijs Van Mierlo uncovers the truth behind this famous photograph. Cartier-Bresson, known for his mantra of 'the decisive moment,' had a strict rule about cropping - he believed the photographer should get it right in-camera. Yet, for this particular shot, he had to bend his own principles.
"The photographer shot it without really looking," Van Mierlo reveals. When Cartier-Bresson arrived at the scene, a fence blocked his view. However, a small gap in the fence presented an opportunity. He squeezed his lens through, but the viewfinder on his Leica 1 camera protruded, leaving him blind to the scene.
Cartier-Bresson, undeterred, waited for the perfect moment. Upon developing the film, he discovered that the iconic frame included a portion of the wooden fence on the left and bottom of the image. This didn't deter him; he simply cropped it out, creating the famous composition we know today.
"The space between the planks was not wide enough for my lens," Cartier-Bresson explained. Despite this challenge, 'Behind the Gare Saint-Lazare' became an iconic street photograph, capturing a fraction of a second with its leading lines, ripples of movement, and reflections.
Cartier-Bresson called it 'luck,' but his decisive moment philosophy and subsequent famous works suggest otherwise. This photograph, a result of his unique approach, has become an enduring symbol of street photography.
And this is the part most people miss: Cartier-Bresson's willingness to break his own rules when the moment demanded it. It's a reminder that sometimes, to create something truly iconic, we must step outside our comfort zones.
What do you think? Is Cartier-Bresson's 'luck' a testament to his skill, or was it a calculated risk? Share your thoughts in the comments!
