“Place de l’Europe, Gare Saint Lazare, Paris” is a renowned photograph captured by Henri Cartier-Bresson in 1932. This black-and-white artwork is a significant piece within the photo genre. It encapsulates a striking moment at the Place de l’Europe near Gare Saint Lazare in Paris.
The artwork depicts a figure in mid-air, caught in the act of leaping across a large puddle of water. The silhouette of the person is sharply contrasted against the bright reflection of the sky in the puddle. Surrounding the puddle are various urban elements, including a wrought-iron fence, distant figures, and industrial buildings, which provide a stark, geometric background. The overall composition highlights Cartier-Bresson’s mastery in capturing the decisive moment, a hallmark of his photographic style.