Children Watching The Story of “Saint George and the Dragon”
Updated: Apr 15
“If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a moveable feast.” - Hemmingway
One of the most iconic images depicting Paris from the previous century, characterized by its exquisite black and white imagery, is undoubtedly Alfred Eisenstaedt’s timeless photograph capturing the essence of childhood wonder.
Taken in 1963 at an open-air theatre, Eisenstaedt immortalises the enchanting moment of a Parisian puppet show titled "Saint George and the Dragon." In this photograph, the children's expressions convey a mixture of excitement, astonishment, and collective jubilation as they witness the mythical slaying of the dragon by St. George. Even after more than five decades, Eisenstaedt's portrayal retains its vividness, evoking a sense of innocence that can transport even the most cynical viewer back to a time when belief in captivating tales was unshakeable, whether witnessed on stage or screen.
Eisenstaedt’ said of this of his picture:
“It took a long time to get the angle I liked. But the best picture is the one I took at the climax of the action. It carries all the excitement of the children screaming, ‘The dragon is slain!’ Very often this sort of thing is only a momentary vision. My brain does not register, only my eyes and finger react. Click.”
