Gyula Halász, called Brassaï (Hungarian/French, 1899-1984) La rue Quincampoix

Description:

Gyula Halász, called Brassaï (Hungarian/French, 1899-1984)

La rue Quincampoix, 1933, a later printing. Numbered 2/40 in ink l.l., signed "Brassaï" in ink l.r., partially titled, dated, and inscribed ".../Pl. 356" in pencil on the verso, signed in ink on the verso, with the artist's copyright and reproduction stamps on the verso. Gelatin silver print, image size 11 1/8 x 8 3/8 in. (28.3 x 21.3 cm),framed.
Condition: Cockling to left and upper edges.

N.B. "Like streetwalkers, they [the bordellos] were shrouded in mystery. Their eternally closed shutters, their red lights, their huge numbers lit up late into the night, set them apart…" -Brassaï, The Secret Paris of the 30's

La rue Quincampoix emanates a quintessential "noir" feel intrinsic in Brassaï's Paris photography of the 1930s. The vantage point creates a winding, narrow view down Quincampoix and renders a peep into the hotels inaccessible, thus heightening the enigma of the Paris underbelly. The image feels undeniably voyeuristic as one imagines leaning out from a window or balcony to watch passers-by. Coincidentally, this position also indicates the photographer's (and by extension the viewer's) presence within a neighboring hotel and thus, the gritty underbelly of Paris.
Estimate $2,500-3,500

Sheet size: 16 1/8 x 11 7/8 in. Very few extremely minor handling creases, cockling primarily to left edge, tape to verso corners affix the work to window mat, subtle silvering to u.l. and u.r. edges


Items may have wear and tear, imperfections, or the effects of aging. Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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