MAN RAY (1890–1976)
Lot 135

MAN RAY (1890–1976)

Valentine Hugo, c. 1935

Closed2 April 2019

Price Realised

USD 18,750

More Information

How to sell

MAN RAY (1890–1976)
Valentine Hugo, c. 1935
gelatin silver print
signed in ink (recto); stamped 'MAN RAY/31bis, RUE/CAMPAGNE/PREMIÈRE/PARIS XIVe' [Manford M6] and titled, dated in pencil (verso)
image/sheet: 11 1/8 x 8 3/4 in. (28.3 x 22.2 cm.)

Daniel Wolf Inc., New York;
acquired from the above by the present owner.

Specialist note

When, in 1935, the artist Valentine Hugo sat for Man Ray's camera she had been actively involved with the Paris Surrealists for several years. Man Ray produced a number of flattering portraits from this sitting, including the image offered in the present lot. The Fonds Man Ray, at the Centre Pompidou holds six corresponding and related negatives.

A close variant image was used by Man Ray in creating a series of four photographic playing cards, each featuring woman associated with the Surrealist movement. Valentine Hugo was the Queen of Diamonds, Lise Deharme portrayed the Queen of Spades, Nusch Éluard posed as the Queen of Clubs, and Jacqueline (Lamba) Breton was the Queen of Hearts.