Lot 192
- 192
Man Ray
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 EUR
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Description
- Man Ray
- Optic-Topic, 1972
- Inscribed with the signature Man Ray and dated 1972 (on the reverse)
- Gold-plated silver and suede
- Length: 15.5 cm, 6 ⅛ in.
Optic-Topic, 1974-78
Bronze
3h x 6 1/4d inches
Estimate: €2,000 - 3,000
Subject to further research
Bronze
3h x 6 1/4d inches
Estimate: €2,000 - 3,000
Subject to further research
Exhibited
Madrid, Paris & Berlin, 2007-10, p. 264
Tokyo, 2010, no. 356
Tokyo, 2010, no. 356
Literature
Art Vivant, 1985, p. 13
Turin, 1995-96, p. 291
Turin, 1995-96, p. 291
Condition
The suede backing is frayed at the edges and is beginning to wear away in places on the reverse. The bronze eye-plate has some light surface scratches and a few tiny spots of oxidation. On the reverse, there are traces of glue in the centre, where the bronze was previously fixed to the suede. Overall this work is in good original 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
Man Ray worked frequently from 1970 with Italian jeweller GianCarlo Montebello (GEM-Montebello, Milan). In 1972 Man Ray designed a prototype (lot 192) for a pair of eyeglasses to be made in silver gilt whose most striking feature was the network of tiny drilled holes where the lenses would normally be. The arms proved unstable, so Man Ray transformed his design into a mask, adding a piece of suede to the prototype to indicate the required dimensions. He wrote to Montebello the following year that “I wish more and more to consider my works as art objects and presented as such in their ecrin! For instance, the mask need not be worn for any function but put on for a few moments or held in the hand. The title? OPTIC-TOPIC.” (Man Ray, letter to GianCarlo Montebello, 27 September 1975.) True to Man Ray, the words of the title are anagrams of each other. The edition of a 100 and 15 artist’s proofs (lot 193) was made posthumously by GEM-Montebello in 1978, according Man Ray’s design.