André Kertész (1894-1985) was a pioneering Hungarian-born photographer renowned for his profound influence on the development of modern photographic composition. With a career spanning over seven decades, Kertész's work encapsulates an exceptional blend of artistry, innovation, and human insight.

Born in Budapest, Hungary, Kertész began his photographic journey in his early teens, capturing the vibrant scenes of his city and its inhabitants. After serving in World War I, he moved to Paris in the 1920s, where he found inspiration in the dynamic cultural milieu and the avant-garde art movements of the time. It was there that he developed his signature style, characterized by a keen eye for spontaneous moments, inventive use of light and shadow, and a deep understanding of human emotion.

His work was the subject of many publications and exhibitions, including solo exhibitions at the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris and at the Museum of Modern Art, and a major retrospective, Of Paris and New York, at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Among his many honors and awards were a Guggenheim Fellowship and admission to the French Legion of Honor.