In a bittersweet turn of events, Françoise Bornet, the enchanting protagonist of the iconic photograph “Le baiser de l’hôtel de ville” (Kiss by the Town Hall) taken in Paris, has bid adieu at the age of 93.
The Staged Serendipity of Love
Back in April 1950, the renowned French photographer Robert Doisneau, armed with his trusty Rolleiflex, embarked on a mission for Life magazine—to encapsulate the essence of love in the City of Light. The resulting image, depicting Bornet sharing a tender kiss with her then-boyfriend Jacques Carteaud, was initially orchestrated by Doisneau himself.
From Obscurity to Global Fame
Initially published in Life magazine in 1950, the photograph lay dormant until its revival in 1986 when a poster company stumbled upon its magic. The captivating snapshot taken on the bustling Rue de Rivoli resonated globally, gracing postcards, chocolate boxes, and even shower curtains.
Unraveling the Mystique: Lawsuits and Confessions
The assumed spontaneity of the photograph led to a slew of couples claiming to be the enchanting lovers captured in the frame. Legal battles ensued, with impostors Jean-Louis and Denise Lavernge attempting to stake their claim in 1992. Bornet emerged to set the record straight, presenting a signed original print from Doisneau. While the lawsuits were dismissed, the revelation that the photo was staged became a point of contention.
Doisneau, before his demise in 1994, admitted, “I would never have dared to photograph people like that… Lovers kissing in the street, those couples are rarely legitimate.” The controversy surrounding the photograph took a toll on the photographer, causing considerable stress in his final years.
Love Lost, Memories Preserved
Despite the fleeting nature of Bornet and Carteaud’s romance, Bornet maintained the authenticity of their connection. She eventually married a man named Alain, stating, “Jacques looked a bit like Burt Lancaster. We split up when he met someone else, and we lost touch.”
In 2005, Bornet decided to part with the original photo, given to her by Doisneau, fetching a staggering 155,000 Euros ($169,000)—a far cry from the initial auction estimate of 20,000 Euros ($21,827).
A Life Well-Lived
Françoise Bornet, characterized by her zest for life, embraced vices like smoking cigarettes and sipping whisky until her final moments. Her vivacity and the indelible mark left by the iconic photograph will forever be etched in the annals of Parisian history.
As Deputy Mayor Emmanuel Gregoire bids adieu, “The most beautiful view of the Hotel de Ville is the one where you see it the least. Au revoir dear Françoise Bornet.”