Eugène Atget

A pioneering figure of French documentary photography, Eugène Atget left behind a fascinating visual record of old Paris. Having previously tried his hand at both acting and painting, around 1890 he began to produce photographic reference materials for artists. However, from 1900 onwards, he embarked upon a new project which would cement his reputation. The second half of the 19th century had seen Paris dramatically transformed and modernized under Baron Haussmann, leading to the widespread destruction of the medieval fabric of the city. Atget wanted to compile a photographic record of what was left of vieux Paris, resulting in a unique catalogue of over 8,000 images. Whether photographing empty streets, crumbling doorways, faded facades or rich ornamental details, his pictures have a wistful and evocative quality that would deeply influence a later generation of Surrealists such as Man Ray. The American photographer Berenice Abbott was responsible for publishing his work following his death in 1927.