Brassaï

Modern Masters Tapestries selection by Didier Marien

Brassaï, born Gyula Halász, was a Hungarian-born photographer and artist renowned for capturing Paris's nightlife, from the seedy streets to high society. A key figure in the Montparnasse district, he documented the city’s nocturnal characters, which culminated in his famous book Paris de Nuit (1933). Known for his striking imagery, Brassaï also ventured into tapestry art. Collaborating with the prestigious Atelier Yvette Cauquil-Prince, he created abstract, geometric tapestries inspired by urban architecture and graffiti. These rare, handwoven pieces reflect his exceptional artistic vision and Parisian inspiration. Modern Masters Tapestries proudly showcases Brassaï's woven works crafted by Yvette Cauquil Prince.

Learn more about the artist

Brassaï Tapestries and Rugs

The Modern Masters Tapestries Gallery proudly exhibits a collection of intriguing and mesmerizing tapestries and rugs, imbued with the captivating touch of Brassaï.

Early Life and Artistic Pursuits

Brassaï (1899-1984), the pseudonym of Hungarian-French photographer Gyula Halász, was a renowned photographer and writer who captured the essence of Parisian nightlife in the 1930s and 1940s. His candid and atmospheric photographs of cabarets, jazz clubs, and the streets and alleyways of the city transformed him into one of the most celebrated chroniclers of modern urban life.

Born in Brassó, Transylvania, then part of Austro-Hungarian Empire (now Brașov, Romania), Brassaï studied art at the Hungarian University of Fine Arts in Budapest and the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. While he initially focused on painting and sculpture, his passion for photography ignited in 1921 when he discovered a roll of film and a Kodak camera in the streets of Paris.

The Discovery of Nightlife

In the early 1930s, Brassaï began exploring the vibrant nightlife of Paris, using his camera to document the city’s seedy underbelly and its glamorous social scenes. His photographs captured the raw energy of jazz clubs, the smoky atmosphere of cabarets, and the enigmatic figures that populated the streets at night.

Signature Style: Capturing the Essence of Night

Brassaï’s photographs are characterized by their sharp focus, dramatic lighting, and unique perspective. He often used a flash powder technique, which created dramatic effects and blurred backgrounds, adding a sense of mystery and intrigue to his images.

Series that Defined his Legacy

Two of Brassaï’s most celebrated series, “Paris by Night” and “The Secret Paris of the 1930s,” showcased his mastery of capturing the city’s nocturnal ambiance. His photographs of street performers, prostitutes, and everyday Parisians, often taken in dimly lit settings, revealed the hidden corners and unseen lives of the city.

Beyond Photography: A Writer and Sculptor

Brassaï’s artistic talents extended beyond photography. He was also a prolific writer, publishing several books that explored the themes of his photographs, including “Paris by Night” and “The Secret Paris of the 1930s.” He also dabbled in sculpting, creating bronze busts of his friends and acquaintances.

Impact and Legacy

Brassaï’s work has had a profound impact on the history of photography. His ability to capture the essence of urban life and the human condition made him a true innovator in the medium. His photographs continue to inspire and amaze audiences worldwide, serving as a timeless record of a bygone era.

Brassaï’s legacy as a photographer and chronicler of Parisian nightlife is undeniable. His photographs have captured the imagination of art enthusiasts and historians alike, preserving a unique glimpse into the vibrant and often enigmatic world of early 20th-century Paris. His work continues to inspire photographers and artists today, reminding us of the power of the camera to capture the essence of human experience.