When Magnum founder Robert Capa died in Indochina in May 1954, he left behind thousands of photos scattered around the world. Cornell Capa, his brother, spent his life searching for them and building an official history. At the same time, independent research had shed light on the history of certain photos: the militiamen who fell during the Spanish war in 1936, or those of the D-Day landings on June 6, 1944.
Curated by Le Monde journalist and Capa specialist Michel Lefebvre, this exhibition features more than 150 vintage items: original prints, newspapers, books and objects, mainly from the Golda Darty collection and the Magnum archive. Having access to one of his Leicas, his typewriter, his driver’s license, and his prints gives us a unique insight into the life of the man behind the lens.
As well as extensive coverage of Capa’s war photography, the exhibition also explores the softer side of his archive, notably through engaging portraits, fashion shots, film footage and travel images, from Deauville to Biarritz, from the Alps to Budapest, and shot in color.
To commemorate the anniversary of Capa’s death on Saturday, May 25, Magnum photographers Raymond Depardon, Cristina de Middel, Olivia Arthur and Emin Özmen will host a discussion about Capa’s life and legacy at Les Franciscaines. The event begins at 5 p.m. Reserve your tickets here.
