Man Ray

Collection particulière, France

Executed on sandpaper, affixed to slate. The sandpaper sheet displays natural and mild undulating towards the artist's signature at the lower left corner. Mounted and framed by the artist, this work is in very 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', dated '1956' (lower left) and inscribed '"L'Etoile de mer" (à mettre dans un coin sombre)' (on the reverse), fake diamond, gouache and coloured chalks on sandpaper. Executed in 1956.

Exécutée en 1956, cette oeuvre unique intitulée Etoile de Mer précède une série de 3 éditions (de 10 exemplaires chaque) en 1965 intitulées Etoile de Verre.

Dans cette composition poétique, Man Ray crée une image de tranquilité avec une étoile scintillante suspendue au-dessus d'une mer sombre. Une composition simple qui combine deux matériaux improbables: strass et papier de verre, tous deux dérivés de sable. Rimant avec "papier de verre" mais aussi avec Etoile de mer, nom du troisième film de Man Ray réalisé en 1928, le titre de cette œuvre, L'Etoile de verre, est donc un jeu de mots, construit à partir de ces deux expressions.

Executed in 1956, this unique work entitled Etoile de Mer is the precursor to the three separate editions (each comprising ten examples) of 1965 entitled Etoile de Verre.

In this poetic composition, Man Ray creates a view of tranquillity with a glimmering star poised above a dark sea. A simple composition by the combination of unlikely materials of diamante and sandpaper, each derived from sand. The title is play on words: L'Étoile de verre rhymes with "papier de verre" (sandpaper) and Étoile de mer (Starfish), the title of Man Ray's third film made in 1928.