[Unstagram] A Photographic Tribute to 'Parisui Yeonin'

French photographer Robert Doisneau's famous "The Kiss by the H?tel de Ville" featured a woman named Fran?oise Bornet, who has passed away at the age of 93. From the public's perspective, she rarely stepped outside the photograph. This means that her life in reality was not well known. Was it because the photograph was so perfect that it did not arouse other curiosities? Even though the photo was taken over 70 years ago, it still feels filled with a sophisticated, contemporary moment, which seems plausible.

Robert Doisneau, 'The Kiss by the City Hall'

The photographer received a commission from Life magazine in 1950 to take photos themed around love in Paris. Upon seeing a couple kissing on the street, he asked them to reenact the scene, and they took kissing photos at this location and a few others. The photo was published in Life magazine but was soon forgotten. Thirty-six years later, in 1986, a poster company discovered the photo and produced it as a decorative poster, which became famous. It was printed and sold on products such as postcards, chocolate boxes, and shower curtains. In South Korea, it became known as a poster photo in the late 1980s, and discerning people began buying and hanging the poster. It was displayed in cafes and Western-style restaurants. I first saw this poster over 30 years ago in a cafe in Gwanghwamun, and even now, frame shops in Euljiro, Seoul, still sell framed versions of this photo. Though the person has passed away, the photograph lives on eternally.

At a picture frame shop in Euljiro, Seoul, they sell numerous photo frames including ones of 'Lovers in Paris,' Audrey Hepburn, and The Beatles' 'Abbey Road.'

The fact that their lives are not well known also distinguishes them from other "frame" subjects. It may be due to their lifestyle, but perhaps it was enough that they were simply a picturesque moment in a photograph rather than celebrities. Audiences loved this photo so much, but since they seemed like beings from a distant other world, they were not curious about their names or private lives. The news of her passing at the age of 93 seems to have briefly called her out from beyond the photograph. The surprise that someone who seemed to be forever twenty years old in that moment actually lived 93 years in reality and has now passed away. Those with empathy might have felt a sudden pang for the years of a stranger that quietly slipped away. A vague sadness and chill were briefly felt. The photo will remain in the "sustained moment" (as Jeff Diver's book title suggests), but her life will be forgotten before the photograph. She has now completely entered the photograph. Robert Doisneau passed away in 1994, and the man in the photo died in 2006. Although often consumed and admired too commonly, the traces left by a good photograph are significant. An original print signed by Doisneau that Bornet owned sold at auction for 150,000 euros.

Other frame shops sell photos that have become icons of their time, such as "Kiss of the Soldiers" (Alfred Eisenstaedt), Marilyn Monroe, and "Abbey Road." Photographs last a long time and contribute to the lives of many people.

Their romance did not last long, and they each married different spouses, but Bornet said that the love at that time was sincere. As a photographer's junior, I am grateful. May they rest in peace...

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.