Henri Cartier-Bresson and Italy
Following celebrated exhibitions dedicated to iconic figures such as Tina Modotti and Mimmo Jodice, CAMERA is delighted to announce the opening of its new exhibition season with Henri Cartier-Bresson and Italy. Running from 14 February to 2 June 2025, this landmark show is the most extensive monographic exhibition to date exploring the long and passionate relationship between the French master and Italy.
For the first time, visitors will discover in exhaustive detail the connection between Henri Cartier-Bresson—often described as “the eye of the century”—and Italy, a country he adored for its vibrant street life that provided the perfect backdrop for capturing his famed “decisive moments.” The exhibition presents 160 vintage photographs alongside a rich collection of documents, including newspapers, magazines, and books, which collectively trace the evolution of this relationship from its inception in the 1930s until Cartier-Bresson’s gradual departure from photography in the 1970s.
Promoted by Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, the exhibition is the result of a fruitful collaboration between the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson in Paris and Fondazione CAMERA – Centro Italiano per la Fotografia in Turin. The project is curated under the expert guidance of Clément Chéroux and Walter Guadagnini, the respective directors of these prestigious foundations.
Accompanying the exhibition is a comprehensive catalogue published by Dario Cimorelli Editore.
About the Author
Henri Cartier-Bresson (1908–2004) was a pioneering French photographer whose work redefined the art of photojournalism and street photography. Renowned for his ability to capture “the decisive moment,” Cartier-Bresson’s candid and insightful images have left an indelible mark on the history of photography, inspiring generations of artists and visual storytellers around the world. Henri Cartier-Bresson possessed an extraordinary ability to capture life’s pivotal moments with a poetic, documentary flair. His images transform fleeting instants into profound narratives filled with meaning, mystery, and humor—crafted with an impeccable sense of visual composition. Though nearly impossible to duplicate, his work has left a lasting impact on generations of photographers. He famously described his approach as capturing “the decisive moment”—that magical instance when the world seems to fall perfectly into place, visible only to a gifted photographer.
Born in Chanteloup, Cartier-Bresson initially pursued literature at Cambridge University in 1928-29 before turning his attention to photography in 1931. He acquired his Leica in 1933 and embarked on an ethnographic expedition to Mexico the following year. In 1935, he expanded his artistic horizons by studying cinematography with Paul Strand, and later assisted filmmaker Jean Renoir in 1936 and 1939. In 1937, he directed his own documentary, Return to Life. During World War II, Cartier-Bresson served in the French Army’s film and photo unit, was captured by German forces in 1940, and, after three years of imprisonment, managed to escape and contribute to the French resistance. In 1943, he produced a series of portraits featuring celebrated artists such as Matisse, Bonnard, and Braque, and documented both the occupation and liberation of France during 1944-45.
In 1947, he co-founded the Magnum Photos agency with Robert Capa, Chim (David Seymour), and George Rodger, and spent the next two decades traveling the world. His work garnered numerous awards, including four Overseas Press Club Awards, the American Society of Magazine Photographers Award in 1953, and the Prix de la Société Française de Photographie in 1959, among others. In 1966, Cartier-Bresson parted ways with Magnum as his agent and began to focus on drawing. His influential publications include From One China to Another (1954), The Europeans and People of Moscow (1955), The Face of Asia (1972), and The Decisive Moment (1973).
Henri Cartier-Bresson and Italy
14 February – 2 June 2025
Camera – Turin – Italy
