The Quai de Javel, Plasterers, Paris 1932

"The Quai de Javel, Plasterers, Paris" (1932) by Henri Cartier-Bresson is a classic example of his "decisive moment" photography. The black-and-white image captures a group of four plasterers standing against a wall of stacked plaster, their postures and expressions revealing their exhaustion. The composition, with its emphasis on geometric shapes and contrasting light and shadow, highlights the stark reality of working-class life in Paris during the early 20th century. The photograph is a powerful social commentary and a testament to Cartier-Bresson's ability to capture the essence of a moment in time.