Jeanne Bucher (Primary Title)
Man Ray, American, 1890 - 1976 (Artist)
This portrait of the pioneering French gallery owner Jeanne Bucher (1872–1946) dates to 1937, the same year that she gave the artist an exhibition of his drawings and published sixty-six of them in Les Mains Libres (Free Hands). This book was a collaboration between Man Ray and his Surrealist colleague Paul Éluard, who wrote individual poems to accompany each drawing. Man Ray repaid Bucher’s belief in his abilities as a draftsman by creating this memorable image of the indomitable art dealer, who opened her gallery in Paris in 1925. Standing straight, with arms folded and a determined look in her eyes, Bucher’s portrait confirms her reputation as a resolute champion of modern art.
Possible signature of Jeanne Bucher (sitter of the portrait) in graphite on print verso: "Jeanne Bucher".
Photographer's studio stamp in black ink on print verso: "Man Ray- 8 Rue/ Du Val-De-Grace/ Paris 5° - France/ Danton 92-25". (M#9- check Text Entry notes for stamp details)
Inscription in graphite on print verso: "2"/ "2".
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.
