« 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

Restaurant Pierre, Paris, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Girl Running, Rue des Martyrs, Paris, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

RAS, Paris, 1949 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Near Pont Neuf, Paris, 1950 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Concierge, Paris, 1950 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Christmas Eve, Ile St. Louis, Paris, 1950 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Aubervilliers, 1947 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

British Tourists, Paris, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Window Display, Paris, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Boulevard de Clichy, Paris, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Family Walking, 14th arrondissement (Manege), Paris, 1949 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Café Madonna, Pigalle, Paris, 1949 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Under Bridge Near Musée d’Orsay, Paris, 1987 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Near Place Saint-Michel, Paris, 1951 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Rue d’Amsterdam, Paris, 1995 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Place Saint-Augustin, Paris, 1993 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Sunbathers, San Raphael, 1958 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Franc-Tireur, Boulevard du Raspail. Paris, 1949 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Couple, Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris, 2011 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate

Bookstall, Quai de Seine, Paris, 1950 – Gelatin silver print © Louis Stettner Estate