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Punjab, India, 1947
Henri Cartier-Bresson (French, 1908–2004)
Gelatin silver print; 8 15/16 x 13 9/16 in. (22.7 x 34.5 cm)
Ford Motor Company Collection, Gift of Ford Motor Company and John C. Waddell, 1987 (1987.1100.168)
© Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum Photos

This photograph depicts a group of refugees at the Kurukshetra camp performing simple exercises to drive away lethargy and despair. Framed against a blank wall, as if in an ancient frieze, the wildly dancing figures appear eternally suspended between desperation and ecstasy.


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    Punjab, India, 1947
    Henri Cartier-Bresson (French, 1908–2004)
    Gelatin silver print; 8 15/16 x 13 9/16 in. (22.7 x 34.5 cm)
    Ford Motor Company Collection, Gift of Ford Motor Company and John C. Waddell, 1987 (1987.1100.168)
    © Henri Cartier-Bresson/Magnum Photos