Brassaï: The "Eye of Paris" and a Pivotal Figure in 20th-Century Photography Brassaï (1899–1984) is celebrated as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Revered worldwide, he earned the title of the "Eye of Paris," and his works are collected in prestigious institutions such as Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York, Tate Modern, UK, Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Centre Georges-Pompidou, Paris and the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). Born in Hungary, Brassaï studied sculpture and painting at the Hungarian Academy of Fine Arts before moving to Paris in 1924. Initially working as a journalist, he roamed the streets of the city, capturing its nocturnal scenes—from the dazzling, decadent nightlife to the haunting solitude of its hidden alleys. His evocative photographs quickly established him as a leading figure in French photography. As a pioneer in documenting the essence of Paris after dark, Brassaï masterfully fused artistic vision with personal sentiment, transforming fleeting moments into striking black-and-white compositions. The interplay of misty streetlights and shadowy silhouettes in his images exudes an enigmatic, poetic allure. While renowned for revealing the raw, unpolished facets of urban life, he also chronicled the elegance of high society, including the world of ballet, opera, and intellectual circles. His close friendships with avant-garde figures such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Alberto Giacometti, and Henri Matisse further enriched his artistic legacy. Brassaï’s landmark 1933 photobook Paris de Nuit (Paris by Night) cemented his reputation, followed by notable publications such as Conversations avec Picasso, Henry Miller: The Paris Years, The Secret Paris of the 30s, and Letters to My Parents.