Lot 52
  • 52

Brassaï

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Brassaï
  • Hotel de Passe rue Quincampoix, c. 1932Lingerie for Diana Slip, c. 1933
6 silver prints, printed 1930s and 15 photo-mechanical prints, printed probably 1930s.

Provenance

Private French Collection

Condition

These 6 vintage silver prints are in very good general condition. Condition issues such as; corners slightly worn, random very light scratches visible in raking light only and light silvering. These 15 photo-mechanical prints are in good general condition. Condition issues such as; corners worn, random light scratches visible in raking light only, edges partially bumped.
"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

Known for his series of 'Paris by Night', Brassaï artistically invested in the capital’s darker side.  The sense of unease reflected in his images is characteristic of Surrealism’s interest in the Uncanny, which the artist knew would be a perfect combination with his nocturnal ‘reportages’.

Rue Quincampoix, close to the market of Les Halles, only came to life in the middle of the night. The greengrocers, butchers and other merchants are the first customers for the ladies stationed outside their hotel. The choice of framing and the lines which Brassaï emphasises presents the theme of prostitution as less of a trivial subject and more of a poetic one.  While we often see the faces of the women, either dressed or ready for work, they remain anonymous, their privacy protected.

At the same moment in his career, Brassaï was commissioned by the lingerie label 'Diana Slip'. The publicity images were composed in the same way as his documentation of the restless nights on rue Quincampoix. The negatives from this commission were used and transformed later for the famous series ‘Transmutations’. Prints made in the 1930s from the original negatives are extremely rare.