Gertrude Stein (at home) (Primary Title)
Man Ray, American, 1890 - 1976 (Artist)
When this celebrated portrait of the American modernist writer Gertrude Stein (1874–1946) was published in the August 1922 issue of Vanity Fair, it confirmed her position as a leading figure in the expatriate community in Paris after World War I. Man Ray was Stein’s official photographer in the 1920s, although they had no contract and never agreed on a fee. A self-proclaimed literary genius, Stein craved publicity, and Man Ray’s portraits played a pivotal role in disseminating her image and expanding her fame. Sadly, Stein and Man Ray had a serious falling out in February 1930 after the photographer sent her a bill for 500 francs for his portraits of the writer, her partner, Alice B. Toklas, and Basket, her standard white poodle. “My dear Man Ray,” Stein replied, “We are all hard up, but don’t be silly about it.” The bill was never paid and they never spoke to each other again.
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.
