Lot 147
- 147
Man Ray
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 EUR
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Description
- Man Ray
- Statue Bangwa, dite "Reine Bangwa", 1934
- Silver print. Stamped 'Man Ray' and with the inventory number annotated on the reverse.
- 29,8 x 20,2 cm, 11 ¾ x 8 in.
Bangwa Queen, 1934
Silver gelatin print
11 3/4h x 8w
Estimate: €20,000 - 30,000
Silver gelatin print
11 3/4h x 8w
Estimate: €20,000 - 30,000
Literature
Washington, D.C., 2009-11, p. 20
Condition
This print is in very good general condition. With a light trace of scratch near the upper edge at the centre visible in raking light only, with a few dots of retouching visible in raking light only and with a tiny loss of the gelatin layer at the right edge.
"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
Man Ray created a number of photographs of the "Bangwa Queen", at least six views of the statue alone such as the present example, and two compositions of the statue intertwined with a nude. Dramatically lit and expertly composed, these images create illusory gradations of black and white as well as containing a suggestive eroticism referring to Man Ray's 1926 masterpiece Noire et blanche. The "Bangwa Queen" has a fascinating and well-documented history. It was discovered in the Bangwa kingdoms (present day Cameroon), Man Ray photographed it at the gallery of Charles Ratton. Helena Rubinstein purchased it from Ratton in 1930s, and it was later sold in her estate sale at Sotheby's Parke Bernet, New York, in 1966, before being acquired by the Musée Dapper, Paris, where it now resides.