Sundays by the River

by Willy Ronis

Spanning nearly a half-century, this collection of forty-eight duotones images by the noted documentary photographer Willy Ronis captures Parisians in moments of unalloyed a guitarist at a riverside cafe tries to distract a foursome engaged in animated conversation, a toddler rides a tricycle on the deck of a barge, a couple holds hands as they lie next to a slice of calm water. Reminiscent of impressionist scenes, the photographs capture not only the tranquillity of spring and summer Sundays but also the calm communal spirit created by the water's flow. Observing in his foreword that only a trick of light or the talent of the photographer can give a semblance of movement to photographed water, Noel Simsolo contrasts the ever-changing flow of human memory with Ronis's timeless, sun-drenched images.

48 pages, Hardcover

First published April 17, 1999

About the author

Willy Ronis (1910-2009) est un photographe français, lauréat du Grand Prix national de la photographie en 1979 et du prix Nadar en 1981.

Il est l’un des représentants les plus importants de la photographie humaniste française avec Édouard Boubat, Jean-Philippe Charbonnier, Robert Doisneau, Izis et Sabine Weiss. Il définit l'école humaniste comme « le regard du photographe qui aime l'être humain »

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first look at Ronis' work and I became an instant fan. I'm coming to really appreciate the French documentary photographers, especially from the early to mid 20th century. They have a sensitivity and seek out the side of life that shows hope, even in situations that are not ideal.