Maurice Bonnel

Maurice Bonnel (1923–2019) was a French amateur photographer known for his contributions to the humanist photography movement, which thrived throughout the early to mid-20th century. Predominantly a street photographer, Bonnel extensively captured the life and essence of Paris, focusing on the city’s atmosphere, its people, and daily activities, although he did not achieve the same level of recognition as some of his contemporaries like Robert Doisneau.

His work is characterized by a deep empathy for his subjects, capturing the humanity and emotion of everyday moments in post-war Paris. Bonnel’s photographs serve as a historical document of the era, offering insights into the social and cultural life of the time. Despite the amateur status of his photography, Bonnel’s work is valued for its artistic quality and its contribution to the humanist movement in photography, highlighting the power of visual storytelling to capture and convey the richness of human experience.

Maurice Bonnel’s photography, while perhaps lesser-known, remains an important part of the narrative of 20th-century French art and culture, embodying the spirit of humanist photography through his compassionate and insightful depiction of Parisian life