Butcher shop, Paris 1951

Robert Frank’s black and white photograph “Butcher Shop, Paris” (1951) depicts a stark, unvarnished view of a Parisian butcher shop. The image features rows of rabbits hanging from hooks, their bodies silhouetted against the light, along with a scale and numerous chickens in the foreground. The composition, framed by a white border, is typical of Frank’s documentary style of photography. He is known for capturing everyday life, highlighting the candid, often overlooked, aspects of his subjects. This photo, part of his iconic book “The Americans,” portrays a slice of working-class life in Paris and evokes a sense of realism and rawness.