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MAN RAY | Presse-papier à Priape - Priapus Paperweight
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 EUR
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Description
- Man Ray
- Presse-papier à Priape - Priapus Paperweight
- bronze
- height: 101 cm ; 39 3/4 in.
- Conceived in 1920 and cast in 1968 in an edition of three bronzes (Sergio Tosi, Milan), after the original object created in New York in 1920 (since destroyed) consisting of steel balls and tubing. Several editions of this object were made in silver, bronze and marble in the 1960s and early 1970s, the present edition being the most rare, limited in number and the largest in size. The three bronze casts of this edition were reserved for Man Ray and his wife Juliet, Sergio Tosi (the publisher) and Alexandre Iolas (the present cast).
Provenance
Alexandre Iolas (acquired from the artist)
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner
Literature
Arturo Schwarz, Man Ray, The Rigour of Imagination, London, 1977, p. 150, illustration of the silver edition p. 274,
Jean-Hubert Martin, Rosalind Krauss & Brigitte Hermann, Man Ray; Objets de mon affection, Sculptures et Objets, Catalogue raisonné, Paris, 1983, p. 141, no. 23, illustration of the silver edition p. 36
Jean-Hubert Martin, Rosalind Krauss & Brigitte Hermann, Man Ray; Objets de mon affection, Sculptures et Objets, Catalogue raisonné, Paris, 1983, p. 141, no. 23, illustration of the silver edition p. 36
Condition
Attractive green patina. There is metallic cables around the cylinder and between the base balls scealed with a seal. Balls : There are white traces, possibly plaster residues, running accross the balls and probably inherent to the cast process. There are dents in places with associated losses of patina. There are general wear to the patina most predominately to the upper ball and some dots of verdegris in places. Cylinder: There is general minor wear to the patina. This work is in overall good 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
This work is dedicated to Priapus, the God of fertility and contains obvious sexual connotations. In his usual humorous tone, Man Ray recalled: "On looking at the photograph of this object, people usually asked me the size of the original. More or less like yours was my reply." (quoted in Arturo Schwarz, Man Ray, The Rigour of Imagination, London, 1977, p. 159).