Marcel Bovis (1904–1997) was a French self-taught photographer, renowned for his atmospheric night scenes of Paris that captured the city’s architecture and urban life with poetic realism. Initially drawn to the visual arts, Bovis transitioned to photography in the 1920s, experimenting with light and shadow to evoke the enigmatic charm of Paris after dark. His collaboration with writer Pierre Mac Orlan in 1941 resulted in a celebrated travel book that paired Bovis's evocative imagery with Orlan's literary reflections. Recognized as a pioneer in the field, Bovis became the first photographer to have a solo exhibition in Paris, solidifying his place in photographic history. In 1946, he joined the Group of XV, an esteemed collective of photographers committed to advancing artistic photography in France. Throughout his career, Bovis’s meticulous compositions and technical mastery earned him critical acclaim. In 1991, underscoring his commitment to preserving photographic heritage, he generously donated 20,000 of his works to the French government, ensuring his vision of Parisian life would endure for future generations.