In Paris, the Maillol Museum presents a retrospective by Robert Doisneau in 400 shots

He is undoubtedly the best known French photographer in the world and, yet, he had not had a retrospective in Paris for almost 20 years. Since Thursday, Robert Doisneau has been in the spotlight at the Maillol Museum with 400 photos covering his entire career.

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Photographer of the 20th century recognized worldwide, Robert Doisneau, famous for his black and white photos is currently exposed in Paris, at the Maillol Museum, with 400 shots, thirty years after his disappearance. “The public always know the same photos. There, when you get out of this exhibition, you feel like you have met Robert Doisneau”promises Annette Doisneau, the eldest daughter of the photographer.

Robert Doineau’s work is not just about the Kiss from the Town Hall or at The last July 14 waltzwho made him famous. In this exhibition, you will discover a Robert Doisneau adaptable to all circles, photographing in turn models, artists, inhabitants of the suburbs or children in the streets like The butterfly child in 1945 in Saint-Denis. “I find that this photo is magnificent. In this absolutely gloomy and sordid setting, you have this child. Besides, it was he who gave the title, who is a marvel in the middle of this total gada. He had spent time surely with this kid, who forgets the photographer, that’s what was needed. “

The exhibition unveils new or very little shown photos, because the Robert-Deisneau fund is 450 rich in 000 negative. “Whenever we dig the subject, we go back with new products for us too, we continue to make discoveriestells Francine Deroudille, the photographer’s second daughter. You see, a few weeks before this exhibition, I come across this sewer photo in Paris. I absolutely wanted it to be in the exhibition because it is a photo that has almost never been shown. “

This sewer image is one of the social photos of Robert Doisneau, gathered in a section of the exhibition : workers, minors, prostitutes, people in great precariousness, all worthy in front of its objective. A component of his little known work which was essential for him. “We show things that are not at all associated with the usual image of my fatherrejoices Francine Deroudille. He was trying to always show worthy, happy people, even in the worst situations. He was always trying to save moments of happiness, it’s true. “

Another discovery of the exhibition, his personal creations. Original assemblies and collages in which Robert Doisneau gave free rein to his fantasy.

The exhibition “Robert Doisneau – Mints given” in Paris at the Maillol Museum until October 12, 2025.