Eugène Atget

The story

Atget travelled through Paris and its surroundings with a view camera, producing documents for artists and institutions. Shops, streets, interiors, gardens and trades form a patient body of work rather than a spectacular narrative. After his death, Berenice Abbott helped preserve and circulate his work. His photographs retain traces of an urban world, but their reflections, thresholds and empty spaces also open up more uncertain readings.

Understanding the work

Observe the edges of the frame, shop windows and passages between indoors and outdoors. A descriptive record can produce strangeness without any need for a spectacular effect.

Key works and series

Documents pour l’histoire du Vieux Paris; shop windows; gardens.

Sources & further exploration

• Getty — Eugène Atget ↗