Butcher's stall, Paris 1951

"Butcher's Stall, Paris" (1951) by Robert Frank is a stark black and white photograph that captures the raw reality of a Parisian butcher shop. The image shows two carcasses hanging from the ceiling, their forms obscured by the dim lighting, while a price list and a hanging cloth provide a sense of the shop's business. Frank's iconic photo is considered part of the "New Documentaries" movement in photography, which emphasized social commentary and a gritty aesthetic. This image, a part of Frank's influential book "The Americans," offers a glimpse into the everyday life of working-class Parisians, underscoring the photographer's interest in capturing the authenticity and grit of the human experience.