Francoise Bornet, who embraced on a Paris street in 1950, passed away at 93. She was part of the iconic couple captured in Robert Doisneau’s photograph.
Francoise Bornet was part of a young couple who were seen embracing on the street in 1950.
Francoise Bornet, one half of the iconic couple captured in Robert Doisneau’s “The Kiss by the Hotel de Ville” in 1950, found herself at the center of a legal dispute when the image gained immense popularity in the 1980s. Despite its seemingly spontaneous charm, the photo was actually staged, a revelation that led to multiple claims from other couples asserting their identities as the pair in the picture.
The image’s sudden commercial success sparked legal battles as these claimants sought compensation for the use of what they believed to be their image. However, courts dismissed their cases, and it was Bornet who eventually stepped forward to clarify the truth. She and her then-boyfriend, Jacques Carteaud, both drama students at the time, had been approached by Doisneau in 1950 and asked to recreate their affectionate moment for the camera. The couple received a modest payment for their participation.
Francoise Bornet revelation was backed by concrete evidence—a signed original copy of the photo by Doisneau himself. This iconic shot, lying dormant in archives, was unearthed in the early 1980s and became a globally recognized symbol of romance in Paris.
In 2005, Bornet auctioned off her personal copy of the original photo, fetching €150,000 (£130,000). Following the photo’s fame, Bornet and Carteaud went their separate ways, with Bornet pursuing a career in film.
Despite the passing of Doisneau in 1994 and Carteaud in 2006, the legacy of this captivating image endures. Journalist Margot Nicodème reported Bornet’s recent passing on Christmas Day, leaving behind a legacy immortalized by a timeless kiss.
It’s a reminder that some of the most beautiful moments in life happen when we least expect them. Francoise’s passing marks the end of an era, but her spirit and the timeless charm of that photograph will continue to inspire and enchant generations to come. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the joy and romance she brought to the world, and celebrate her life and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. Rest in peace, Francoise Bornet—you’ll forever be a symbol of the enchanting allure of Paris and the magic of a fleeting, stolen kiss.
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