MAN RAY (1890–1976)

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.