A new exhibition, "Présences," by photographer Antoine Schneck is now open at Studio Harcourt in Paris. This presentation, part of Photo Days, brings together Schneck's unique approach to portraiture with Studio Harcourt's historic aesthetic. The exhibition, running from November 3, 2025, to January 30, 2026, offers a deep dive into Schneck's distinctive method of capturing human essence.
Key Takeaways
- Antoine Schneck's "Présences" exhibition is on display at Studio Harcourt in Paris.
- The exhibition runs from November 3, 2025, to January 30, 2026, and is free to enter.
- Schneck uses a unique protocol involving a translucent tent to isolate subjects.
- His work combines rigorous photography with digital recomposition, akin to painting.
- The exhibition features various series, from frontal portraits to ancient olive trees, creating a dialogue with Studio Harcourt's legacy.
A Unique Vision of Portraiture
Antoine Schneck has spent over two decades developing a highly specific method for his portrait work. He invites subjects into a translucent tent, a mobile studio designed to remove all external distractions. Inside this isolated space, only the subject's face is visible, set against a stark black background. Schneck positions himself outside the tent, unseen by the sitter.
This careful setup is more than a technical choice. It fosters an intimate, trusting relationship between the photographer and the subject. The process allows for the emergence of what Schneck calls "otherness," revealing a deeper aspect of the person being photographed.
Exhibition Details
- Location: Studio Harcourt, 6 rue de Lota, Paris 16th
- Dates: November 3, 2025 – January 30, 2026
- Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 11 AM–5 PM
- Admission: Free
The Digital Recomposition Process
Following the photoshoot, Schneck moves into a digital recomposition phase. This part of his process draws parallels with classical painting. He meticulously removes flash reflections and retouches irises, often inspired by historical art. Faces are precisely masked, and textures are carefully adjusted.
This digital work is a pictorial gesture performed on a graphics tablet. It represents a delicate balance between the photographer's presence in shaping the image and an effacement that allows the subject's essence to dominate. The result is a portrait that feels both intensely personal and timeless.
"For more than twenty years, Schneck has followed an almost unchanging protocol: the sitter is invited to pose in a translucent tent—a neutral, mobile studio—isolated from all external stimuli. Only the face emerges, cut out against a black background, while the photographer operates from the outside, unseen."
Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity
The "Présences" exhibition at Studio Harcourt is structured to showcase different series from Schneck's extensive body of work. Visitors will encounter his signature frontal portraits, alongside powerful recumbent effigies from the Basilica of Saint-Denis. The exhibition also includes his striking photographs of millennia-old olive trees.
This diverse selection creates a dialogue between the precision of Schneck's technique and the abstract quality of his backgrounds. It highlights the interplay between the model's presence and the photographer's subtle withdrawal. This approach resonates with Studio Harcourt's own philosophy, where the art of portraiture is deeply rooted in tradition but constantly seeks the essential.
About Studio Harcourt
Studio Harcourt, established in 1934, is an iconic photography institution located in the heart of Paris's 16th arrondissement. It is globally recognized for its distinctive chiaroscuro portraits, a style that uses strong contrasts between light and dark. Over its long history, Studio Harcourt has immortalized numerous leading figures from the arts, politics, and culture of the twentieth century. The studio continues this legacy today, maintaining its signature style while embracing contemporary artists.
Photo Days 2025 Highlights
Antoine Schneck's exhibition is a central feature of Photo Days 2025, a broader festival celebrating photography across Paris. This annual event brings together various artists and institutions, offering a wide panorama of photographic art.
Other notable exhibitions during Photo Days 2025 include:
- Julie Balagué: "Anatomie de l’invisible" at Chapelle Saint-Louis de la Pitié-Salpêtrière.
- Paolo Ventura: "Promenades de nuit" at Rotonde Balzac.
- Juliette Agnel: "La susceptibilité des Roches" at L’École des Arts Joailliers.
- Yan Carpenter: "Giro nos Acessos" at Sorbonne Artgallery.
- Sandra Guldemann Duchatellier: "Une Fable Égyptienne" at Le Louxor.
These diverse presentations underscore the rich variety and innovation present in contemporary photography. Photo Days aims to make high-quality photographic art accessible to a broad public, with many exhibitions offering free entry, similar to Schneck's show at Studio Harcourt.
The festival aims to foster a deeper appreciation for photography as an art form, showcasing both established masters and emerging talents. The curated selection of exhibitions provides a comprehensive look at current trends and historical influences in the photographic world.
Schneck's Artistic Consistency
Schneck's works are crafted with a consistent dedication to precision and an obsession with detail. This meticulous approach extends to his sensitive memory, where each image carries a profound resonance. His work naturally aligns with the aesthetic principles of Studio Harcourt. Both emphasize the enduring art of portraiture, rooted in tradition yet driven by a quest for the essential truth of the subject.
The exhibition provides a unique opportunity to witness the convergence of two distinct yet complementary artistic visions. Schneck's contemporary revelation of identity through rigorous isolation finds a fitting home within the historical grandeur of Studio Harcourt, known for its timeless portraits. Visitors will find themselves contemplating the deep connections between light, absence, and human presence.