Man Ray — Rare 1965 Vintage Print of Djuna Barnes in Profile (Negative 1935)

Details

Description

Offered by MuseumGradeFineArt, this museum-quality vintage silver gelatin print comes with full provenance and certificate of authenticity. Carefully curated for … Read more Offered by MuseumGradeFineArt, this museum-quality vintage silver gelatin print comes with full provenance and certificate of authenticity. Carefully curated for discerning collectors and design professionals.

MAN RAY (1890–1976)
Title: Portrait of Djuna Barnes in Profile
Date: Negative 1935; Print 1965
Medium: Vintage gelatin silver print
Dimensions: 12.1ʺW × 15.94ʺH
Signature: Title and date handwritten in pencil by Man Ray on the reverse, dated “1965”
Provenance: Galerie Serge Aboukrat, Paris, France
Reference: Listed in the Man Ray Trust archive
Accompanied by: Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
This striking portrait captures Djuna Barnes (1892–1982), the pioneering American writer, journalist, and artist known for her avant-garde literary contributions and defiance of convention. Man Ray’s composition emphasizes Barnes’ profile, creating a sculptural interplay of light and shadow that highlights her distinctive character. The negative, created in 1935, was printed by the artist in 1965, exemplifying Man Ray’s enduring engagement with photographic experimentation and portraiture.
The image demonstrates Man Ray’s signature approach to portraiture—merging surrealist sensibilities with modernist clarity—and reflects his ability to render literary and artistic figures with psychological depth. This vintage gelatin silver print is a rare example of Man Ray’s late prints, combining historical importance with aesthetic excellence, making it a highly desirable work for collectors of 20th-century photography.

Man Ray, a pioneering American artist, photographer, and filmmaker, is best known for his contributions to the Surrealist movement. Born Emmanuel Radnitsky in Philadelphia in 1890, he moved to Paris in 1921, where he became a central figure in the city's vibrant artistic scene.

Early Life and Career

Man Ray's artistic journey began in New York, where he was involved with the Dadaist movement. In Paris, he transitioned to Surrealism, befriending influential figures like André Breton, Pablo Picasso, and Salvador Dalí. He adopted the pseudonym "Man Ray" and began experimenting with innovative photographic techniques, including solarization and rayography.

Artistic Innovations

Man Ray's work revolutionized photography, pushing boundaries with techniques like solarization, which he perfected with Lee Miller. His portraits of Parisian celebrities, including Kiki de Montparnasse, remain iconic. He also collaborated with fashion magazines like Vogue and Vanity Fair, redefining fashion photography.

Connection to Djuna Barnes

Man Ray's Parisian circle included American writer Djuna Barnes, a prominent figure in the city's expatriate literary scene. Barnes, known for her novel "Nightwood," was a frequent subject of Man Ray's photography. Their paths crossed in the 1920s, and he captured her enigmatic presence in several portraits. Their shared fascination with unconventional art and lifestyles forged a lasting connection, reflecting the era's avant-garde spirit.

Legacy

Man Ray's influence extends beyond photography to film, painting, and sculpture. He died in 1976, leaving behind a vast body of work and a legacy as one of the most innovative artists of the 20th century. His tomb at Montparnasse Cemetery has become a pilgrimage site for art enthusiasts


Man Ray's works are widely represented in major museums and collections globally. His art has been showcased in prominent institutions, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), and the Art Institute of Chicago in the United States. Internationally, his pieces are featured in the Centre Pompidou, Tate Modern, and Musée d'Orsay in Europe.

Recent exhibitions, such as the 2024 show at Palais Lumière d'Évian, have highlighted Man Ray's diverse artistic practice, including photography, sculpture, and drawings. Other notable exhibitions include MoMu Antwerp's presentation of Man Ray and fashion, and Photo Elysée's showcase of his experimental works.

Man Ray's art is part of esteemed collections worldwide, solidifying his position as a key figure in 20th-century art. His innovative and diverse body of work continues to inspire audiences, ensuring his lasting impact on the art world. See less