Children Scavenging Unburned Coal, Beijing, China 1948

"Children Scavenging Unburned Coal, Beijing, China" (1948) by Henri Cartier-Bresson is a poignant black and white photograph capturing the harsh realities of post-war China. The image depicts three children, their faces etched with hardship, scavenging for unburned coal in the aftermath of destruction. Cartier-Bresson, known for his mastery of "the decisive moment" in photography, skillfully captures the fleeting moment of their struggle, highlighting the stark contrast between the children's poverty and the imposing wall in the background. This iconic photograph, a powerful example of photojournalism and social commentary, remains a testament to the enduring legacy of Cartier-Bresson's work.