Elsa Schiaparelli (Primary Title)
Man Ray, American, 1890 - 1976 (Artist)
The Italian-born Surrealist fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli (1890–1973) moved to Paris in June 1922. Determined to become a successful self-made businesswoman and couturier, Schiaparelli opened her first fashion boutique at 4 rue de la Paix in 1927, which soon rivaled the leading fashion houses and salons of the day, including that of her mentor, Paul Poiret. By August 1931, when Man Ray made this solarized portrait, Schiaparelli had discovered the work of the Surrealists through her friendships with, among others, Jean Cocteau and Salvador Dalí. Schiaparelli was able to successfully translate the Surrealists’ irrational world of dreams and the unconscious into her fashion designs, accessories, and perfume, which were soon acclaimed for their daring originality.
solarized
Possible estate stamp in black ink on print verso: [stamp possibly added later] "Man Ray/ 31^bis Rue/ Campagne/ Priemière/ Paris XIV ^E". (M#28- check Text Entry notes for stamp details)
Barry Friedman gallery label affixed to backing board: "Man Ray [American, 1890-1976]/ Portrait of Elsa Schiapparelli, 1934/ solarized, vintage gelatin silver print/ 8.9 x 6 cm/ BFG #1391".
Ultraviolet filtering label affixed to backing board: "Ultraviolet Filtering Acrylite ® OP-3/ ...has been used in this frame./Color fading of fabrics, pictures and tapestries is a daily/ occurence. Using ACRYLITE OP-3 sheet with its proprietary/ formulation will help to protect pictures and artwork against/ fading. Damaging UV radiation from sunlight occurs in the/ range from 280-400 nanometers. ACRYLITE OP-3 sheet/ blocs 98% of the radiation in the UV range. It also allows the/ maximum amount of visible light so the true beauty of the/ piece comes through./ CYRO Industries/ Mt. Arlington, NJ 07856 USA".
Inscribed in black ink upper right corner on mat verso: "75".
Inscribed in graphite in upper right corner on mat verso: "Man Ray/ Elsa Schiapparelli/ 1934/vintage, solarized/ #1391".
Arthur and Margaret Glasgow Endowment
Man Ray: The Paris Years, VMFA, October 30, 2021 – February 21, 2022
Some object records are not complete and do not reflect VMFA's full and current knowledge. VMFA makes routine updates as records are reviewed and enhanced.
