An Inner Silence
An Inner Silence: The Portraits of Henri Cartier-Bresson
Thames & Hudson (2010)
“Above all, I look for an inner silence. I seek to translate the personality and not an expression.”
- Henri Cartier-Bresson
“Alas, I am doomed by (well-meaning) Photography always to have an expression: my body never finds its zero degree, no one can give it to me.”
- Roland Barthes, Camera Lucida
This book was published back in 2010 and drew from the first exhibition at the Foundation Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris based on their own collection, which showed for four months at the beginning of 2006. It features 97 tritone images, including many of his most iconic portraits, spanning 70 years. Shot handheld on a small Leica, with Cartier-Bresson saying he preferred to shoot quickly and quietly in under 15 minutes, the portraits feel beautifully intimate. The use of natural light and backdrops which do not feel staged, give the portraits a close and personal quality. It is as if you are witnessing moments of inner reflection, rather than looking at traditional portraits. In the majority of the photographs the gaze of the sitter is off-camera, further adding to that contemplative mood. I have shared a few of my favourites below.
Christian Dior, Paris, 1945: You have to love a nice side profile, and that contrast between the diaphanous dotted curtains and the solidity of Dior in his double breasted wool suit.
Jeanne Lanvin, Paris, 1945: The textures are gorgeous, and I love the look on her face.
Alberto Giacometti, Switzerland, 1961: Honestly, I am more in love with the carved wood of the headstand and frame - the portrait is just a bonus. The reflection of the window against the glass of the painting is lovely.
Arthur Honegger, France, c. 1945: The texture of that coat is super cool. Works weirdly well with the texture of his hair I think.
William Faulkner, Mississippi, USA, 1947: The high waisted trousers! Also have to give it up for the cute dogs.
Arthur Miller, USA, 1961: I love a nice textured sweater, and that looks fluffy and soft.
Roland Barthes, Paris, 1963: Of course that’s the expression Rolly B has, but I do love the cardigan.
Albert Camus, Paris, 1945: That suit, that tie, the shirt collar - perfection.
Paul Léautaud, France, 1952: Dopest. Outfit. Ever.
Susan Sontag, Paris, 1972: Phoebe Philo wishes.
Marc Chagall, Provence, France, 1952: Yes, I have a thing for knitwear, and yes, I am obsessed with this cardigan.
Henri Matisse, Vence, France, c. 1944: That coat. I mean. Wow.
Samuel Beckett, Paris, 1964: Coolest dude on the planet. Forget the clothes, the look in his eyes alone is so intense.
xxxx
