André Kertész 1894-1985

on carte-postale, signed and annotated 'Paris' by the photographer in pencil in the margin, dedicated in Russian, possibly by Evsa Model, in ink on the reverse, matted, framed, circa 1927; accompanied by an Anonymous Photograph of l'Esthetique on carte-postale, matted, framed, 1920s (2)

The photographer to Evsa Model

Acquired from the above by Constantine Ash, Model's nephew

Christie's New York, 8 April 1998, Sale 8884, Lot 265

Acquired by Nancy Richardson from the above

Ottawa, National Gallery of Canada, Lisette Model, October 1990 -- January 1991; and thereafter to the International Center of Photography, New York; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art; Vancouver Art Gallery; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Museum Ludwig, Cologne, 1991 -- 1992

Anne Thomas, Lisette Model (National Gallery of Canada, 1991, in conjunction with the exhibition), p. 57 (this print)

The Kertesz photograph is printed on stiff double-weight carte-postale stock with a faint surface sheen, as is typical of the photographer's early Paris images. The image is in excellent condition. There is some minor soiling and peripheral wear on the margins not affecting the image. The anonymous carte-postale is warm in tone and has a number handling creases and general light wear on the edges.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This photograph shows the Russian painter, Evsa Model, in front of his bookshop and gallery, l'Esthetique.  Born Evsei Konstantinovich Model in 1899, Model and his family fled Russia before the revolution, traveling, by Model's own account, through China, Japan, Singapore, Bombay, and Port Said, before settling in Rome.  From Rome, the young man went to Paris in 1920 to study painting.  In 1927, he opened l'Esthetique, which carried a selection of the most current art publications of the day, and served as a gallery venue for Model's own work and that of others.  L'Esthetique was located at 90 Boulevard Montparnasse and became a gathering place for fellow Russian expatriates and others hungry for the avant-garde art books Model carried.  Around 1927, Model met the young Hungarian expatriate photographer André Kertész, who lived nearby at 75 Boulevard Montparnasse.  Model sketched a portrait of Kertész on the opening invitation for the photographer's debut exhibition at Au Sacre du Printemps gallery in 1927 (Thomas, Lisette Model, fig. 33).  Kertész, in turn, made this photograph of Model in front of his shop, which featured a façade designed by the painter himself.  The bookstore closed its doors in 1930. 

In late 1934 or early 1935, Model met the Viennese photographer Lisette Seybert; they were married in 1937.  In 1938, Evsa and Lisette Model fled the growing tensions in Paris and settled in New York City.  This photograph comes from the collection of Constantine Ash, Evsa Model's nephew, the daughter of his sister Luba Ash, with whom the Models stayed upon their arrival in New York.