Francoise Bornet, the woman who appeared in the famous photograph of a couple kissing on the streets of Paris, has died at the age of 93. Bornet was one half of the young couple captured in Robert Doisneau's iconic black-and-white photograph, "The Kiss by the Hotel de Ville," taken in 1950.

The photograph, initially staged by Doisneau, gained immense popularity in the 1980s. It depicted Bornet and her then-boyfriend Jacques Carteaud embracing on the street, portraying a moment of romance and capturing the essence of Paris. The image became a commercial success, appearing on posters worldwide.

However, its popularity led to a legal dispute as several couples came forward claiming to be the couple featured in the photograph. They sought compensation for the use of their image, but their cases were ultimately dismissed by the court.

Bornet stepped forward to clarify the story behind the photograph after it resurfaced. As a drama student in 1950, she and Carteaud were approached by Doisneau, who was capturing scenes of love in Paris for an article in Life magazine. The couple was paid a small fee for their participation.

To prove her authenticity, Bornet presented an original copy of the photograph signed by Doisneau himself. The image had been hidden away in archives until a keen-eyed commercial agent discovered it in the early 1980s, turning it into one of the most recognizable representations of Paris.

In 2005, Bornet sold her copy of the original photograph at an auction, fetching an impressive €150,000 (£130,000).

Following the photograph's fame, Bornet and Carteaud separated soon after it was taken. Bornet went on to pursue a career in film. Doisneau passed away in 1994, followed by Carteaud in 2006.

Journalist Margot Nicodème, reporting on Bornet's passing, appropriately said that she has left behind "a kiss for eternity." Francoise Bornet's legacy will forever be intertwined with the iconic photograph that captured a timeless moment of love in the heart of Paris.

Note: The information provided did not mention exact dates for Bornet's death or the auction.