« I came to Paris in July 1947, intending to stay only three weeks and remained for five years. I do not know how it happened that way. When you love someone or something, it is hard to explain why. Is it because we are too close? Perhaps there are too many complex reasons why. Eventually, I realized the compelling attraction of Europe. In the States the past is completely obliterated by the present. What is new, happening now, has significance. What is old is irrelevant. Whereas as here in Europe, the past dominates the present. A huge conglomeration of old stones permeates everything, giving a reassurance; a secure feeling that life is a very difficult business going on for a very long time and that we humans have managed to survive. I also felt so completely at home here. And life was not easy at the time. » LS

Train Station Near Malaga, Spain, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Girl in Waves, Spain, 1959 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Train Compartment, Traveling to Spain, 1952 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Torremolinos, Spain (10 :30AM, May 1952) – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

On a Dutch Ferry, Holland, 1958-59 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Parking Lot, Volendam, Holland, 1958 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Volendam, Holland, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Boys, Fishermen’s Beach, Nazare, Portugal, 1959 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Children’s Dream World No. 8, Holland, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

In a Spanish Gardeb, Malaga, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Torremolinos, Spain, 1951-52 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate