Historical Events
Born in Chanteloup-en-Brie
Henri Cartier-Bresson, the influential French humanist photographer, was born into a wealthy textile merchant family. He initially studied painting before turning to photography.
BirthBuys Leica, Defines Style
After acquiring his first Leica camera, Cartier-Bresson began to develop his distinctive candid street photography style, later known as 'the decisive moment.' He had his first exhibition in New York.
Career milestoneCo-Founds Magnum & MoMA Retrospective
He co-founded Magnum Photos, a groundbreaking photographic cooperative. The Museum of Modern Art also mounted a major retrospective of his work, solidifying his global reputation.
Career milestoneRetires from Photojournalism
Cartier-Bresson largely retired from photojournalism to dedicate himself to drawing and painting, his first artistic passion. He still took photographs but on a more personal basis.
Career changePasses Away
Henri Cartier-Bresson died at the age of 95 in Montjustin, France. His legacy as a pioneer of photojournalism and a master of candid photography endures.
Death
