Robert Doisneau: Palm Springs 1960

Description

A fresh and unexpected collection of Robert Doisneau's color photography captures the glamour and nostalgia of Palm Springs in the early 1960s. In 1961, celebrated French photographer Robert Doisneau was invited by Fortune magazine to cover Palm Springs, the hottest travel destination of the day. This renowned paradise catered to Hollywood's affluent and reached international acclaim as an indulgent playground for the rich and famous, as well as a silverhaired and well-heeled clientele. It was a world of swimming pools awash with bobbing beehives, martini-fueled parties, and relaxed golf sets, all unfolding against the desert backdrop of this California oasis. While there, Doisneau took hundreds of photographs, twenty-three of which were published in the magazine. The rest have been rediscovered in his archives and one hundred are featured in this unprecedented volume. Doisneau is most recognized for his black and white portraits of Parisian street scenes. This rare color collection-which includes a facsimile reproduction of Doisneau's original Fortune article-provides a fresh perspective into his photographic legacy, as well a unique occasion to revisit the early years of one of America's legendary destinations.

Robert Doisneau (1912-1994) is one of the world's most famous and popular photographers. His poetic, touching, and at times nostalgic images have become iconic. He worked as a professional photographer in industry, journalism, and fashion, and later as a freelancer, but his real interest lay in capturing ordinary people in everyday situations on film. Jean-Paul Dubois has written numerous novels including Vie Francaise (Vintage, 2008).