Chairs of Paris

Accession Number
2013/2.295

Title
Chairs of Paris

Artist(s)
André Kertész

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1927, printed circa 1970

Medium & Support
gelatin silver print on paper

Dimensions
9 5/8 in x 7 5/8 in (24.45 cm x 19.37 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Maxine and Lawrence K. Snider

Subject matter
This photograph concentrates on the sculptural forms of metal chairs that are situated alongside the grand Champs-Élysées Avenue in Paris for use by passers-by. The regular and repeating forms of the standard-issue chairs are enlivened by their scattered placement in the dirt, which registers their use by pedestrians and lends a playful touch to the scene. A strip of street runs along the upper margin of the image, dotted with street lamps and trees, as well the lone figure of a woman in black walking briskly towards the left corner of the image. In her tiny form Kertész articulates the image's steeply receding perspective.

Physical Description
Photograph of metal chairs in a park adjacent to the Champs-Élysées Avenue in Paris. In the background, a woman walks by.

Primary Object Classification
Photograph

Collection Area
Photography

Rights
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Keywords
chairs (furniture forms)
parks (grounds)
pedestrians
pole lamps
streets

& Author Notes

All Rights Reserved