- 3
Man Ray
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 EUR
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Description
- Man Ray
- Mr. and Mrs. Woodman, 1970
- (i) Wooden mannequins in a box bound in the form of a book, signed inside the box Man Ray and inscribed MR EA on the male mannequin. This example is the artist’s proof.
(ii) 27 silver prints in a bound volume, each one stamped épreuve originale Man Ray on the reverse, the first signed Man Ray in blue pen, with a preface by the artist, published by Edition Unida, The Hague, 1970 in a limited edition of 65. This is no. V of XV examples reserved for the artist and his collaborators, signed Man Ray on the colophon.
- Box containing the wooden mannequins: 30 by 22.8 cm, 10 ¾ by 9 in.
- Volume containing the silver prints: 29.3 by 26.7 cm, 11 ½ by 10 ½ in.
Mr and Mrs Woodman, 1970
Number 5 of 9 deluxe copies with wooden mannequins in a separate box
color etching and aquatint
Anselmino 17
12 1/8"H x 10 1/8"W x 3"D
Estimate: €15,000 - 20,000
Number 5 of 9 deluxe copies with wooden mannequins in a separate box
color etching and aquatint
Anselmino 17
12 1/8"H x 10 1/8"W x 3"D
Estimate: €15,000 - 20,000
Literature
Schwarz, 1977, no. 290, p. 172
Objets de mon affection, 1983, no. 106, p. 153
Tokyo, 1990-91, vol. 2, p. 58
Objets de mon affection, 1983, no. 106, p. 153
Tokyo, 1990-91, vol. 2, p. 58
Condition
(i) The wooden mannequins are in good original condition. One foot of each mannequin is detached from the fabric lining of the box (as visible in the catalogue illustration), however this can be easily repaired. The box shows normal signs of wear and tear.
(ii) The 27 silver prints are bound in a leather book with golden edges and lettering, itself housed within a box. Please note that this example does not include the engraving of a padlock with a key that normally accompanies the edition. The leather box and cover show normal signs of wear and tear with some staining. The pages of the book are in good condition with only some minor creasing to the corners and very light time staining to the edges. The silver prints are hinge-mounted to the pages along the upper edges. The prints are overall in good original condition.
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"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. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
Mr. and Mrs. Woodman is a series of 27 photographs of wooden artist’s mannequins arranged in various sexual positions. The photographs were taken in Hollywood in 1947, and in 1970 the complete series of photographs was published in a limited edition of 65.
Man Ray frequently incorporated artist’s mannequins into paintings, photographs and his own objects. While wooden mannequin figures were widely used by artists for centuries to draw life studies, Man Ray, in true surrealist fashion, turned this tradition upside down and used the figures to create interactive and provocative scenes – his version of a ‘life study’. His humorous preface to the present volume observes that the figures he brought to life originated from the same tree: “Of course it is unnecessary to say that Mrs. and Mr. Woodman first met in the forest. After a century or so they were liberated from their trees or from the same tree where they might have already been united in pre-marital bliss.”
Man Ray frequently incorporated artist’s mannequins into paintings, photographs and his own objects. While wooden mannequin figures were widely used by artists for centuries to draw life studies, Man Ray, in true surrealist fashion, turned this tradition upside down and used the figures to create interactive and provocative scenes – his version of a ‘life study’. His humorous preface to the present volume observes that the figures he brought to life originated from the same tree: “Of course it is unnecessary to say that Mrs. and Mr. Woodman first met in the forest. After a century or so they were liberated from their trees or from the same tree where they might have already been united in pre-marital bliss.”