Man Ray

Helen Serger, New York
Acquis du précédent par le propriétaire actuel

The mask is made of painted papier maché and has some natural wear to it. There are artist's pinholes in each of the four corners and 3 other ones in the centre of the upper edge. The black background is slightly wavy and there is a 3 cm flattened crease running in the upper left corner. The mecanism and the light bulb have been adapted to 220-240 V. This work is in good 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."

signed 'Man Ray' and dated '1967' (lower right); titled 'L'intrus' (lower left), assemblage : painted papier maché mask and turning electric light. Executed in 1967, this is a unique object.

Si les masques sont des éléments récurrents dans l'Opus de Man Ray, il est rare que l'artiste les incorpore à un objet pour en faire une oeuvre plus élaborée. Les masques, souvent de mise lors des bals surréalistes, offrait la possibilité à ceux qui les portaient de dissimuler leur anatomie, les libérant par là même de toute inhibition et contrainte sociale. Le titre, L'Intrus, renvoie sans doute à cette liberté qu'offre le maque d'usurper l'identité d'un autre pour vivre pleinement et sans astreinte. Il évoque par ailleurs une forme de voyeurisme intrusif de l'être masqué qui observe autrui sans se dévoiler.

Malgré l'inscription de l'artiste au dos, "réglé pour 110v", cette œuvre est adapté pour un usage à 220V-240V.

Though masks are a recurring theme in Man Ray's Opus, it is rare for the artist to incorporate masks within an object like this in order to create a more complex work.  Masks, often worn at Surrealist balls, allow the wearer to conceal their anatomy, freeing them from their inhibitions and from social constraints.  The title, The Intruder, no doubt refers to the freedom provided by the mask to assume another person's identity and live fully and without restrictions.  Moreover it evokes the intrusive voyeurism of the masked being who observes others without unveiling himself.

Inspite of the artist's inscription on the reverse, "réglé pour 110v", this work is adapted for use at 220V-240V.