On the Boulevards, Paris

André Kertész

1934 · Gelatin silver print · Photographs

A.M. Cassandre's famous poster plays with the name of the aperitif: Dubo (du beau, "beautiful"), Dubon (du bon, "good"), Dubonnet. The solitary woman is as oblivious to this jaunty refrain as she is to the inviting smile of the top-hatted fellow at her shoulder. Kertesz saw these inapposite conjunctions and in the same instant knew that the pedestrian departing the poignant scene should not be allowed to make his getaway.

Artist

André Kertész

Date

1934

Medium

Gelatin silver print

Department

Photographs

Credit line

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