Introductions at Suzy's

Brassaï

1932–33, printed later · Gelatin silver print · Photographs

Brassaï made his name as a chronicler of the night, with images that ranged from reflections on wet cobblestones to the denizens of bars and brothels. Like so many of his photographs, Introductions at Suzy’s was not an impromptu scene caught by an undetected observer but rather a carefully constructed tableau meant to highlight the dynamic between buttoned-up bourgeois clients and Suzy’s bevy of prostitutes, naked but for their bracelets and high heels. The "client" was actually Brassaï’s friend and bodyguard; the "girls," however, were not stand-ins.

Artist

Brassaï

Date

1932–33, printed later

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Department

Photographs

Credit line

Ford Motor Company Collection, Gift of Ford Motor Company and John C. Waddell, 1987