Man Ray

signed and dated '1936' in pencil on the image, hinged to a modern mount, framed, early 1930s; accompanied by a copy print of the image, signed, dated, and inscribed by Luciano Anselmino on the reverse (2)

Private Collection, New York

Sotheby's New York, 6 April 2011, Sale 8730, Lot 92A

This rare, luminous print is on double-weight paper with an impressive range of warm-grey tones. It is in generally excellent condition. In high raking light, very faint age-appropriate silvering is visible in the dark areas, mostly at the periphery. Upon close examination, some original retouching is visible overall. In high raking light, upon very close examination, the following are visible: a few occasional, very minor surface scuffs and scratches that do not break the emulsion; and a very faint 1/2-inch crease to the right side of the sitter's back. Near the lower edge are 3 pin-point-sized losses of emulsion. There is some general minor wear and chipping to the print's edges and corners, and a small loss of emulsion along the center of the upper edge. None of these issues is immediately apparent, nor do they diminish the fine appearance of this striking photograph. There is residue of dry-mounting tissue on the reverse of the print, indicating that it was once mounted. The inscription on the reverse of the copy print reads: 'Dichiaro che la foto a retro riprodotta: ''Nudo,'' solarizzazione nel 1936 è autentica di Man Ray - Torino 12. VII.74.' ['I declare that the photograph reproduced on the back: ''Nude,'' solarization in 1936 is authentic of Man Ray - Torino 12 July 1974']
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This print of Solarized Male Torso belongs to a rare but important series of male nude studies by Man Ray.  Although more commonly associated with sensuous and surreal depictions of the female form, Man Ray made several photographs of a male model in the early 1930s that exemplify his expert use of lighting and darkroom techniques to render dramatic and often abstract studio portraits.

A number of variants exist featuring this model seated or standing, almost always tastefully attired in briefs.  Most often reproduced is a solarized frontal study, prints of which are in the institutional collections of The J. Paul Getty Museum, Los Angeles, and The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.  This photograph is likely cropped from a larger negative showing the entire body, including his head and socked feet.  The present study shows Man Ray's usual deft choices in the editing and cropping of his own negatives.  Much like Torso (Lama [sic] Sheath) (Lot 100), the composition of the photograph offered here defies simple categorization as a male nude.  The elimination of the head and the conscious cropping of the arms and legs results in a sophisticated abstraction comprised of triangular shapes.   

The photograph offered here is accompanied by a copy print that has been inscribed with a statement of authentication, signed and dated by the Italian art dealer Luciano Anselmino.   The date of the inscription, 1974, is the year in which Anselmino became Man Ray's primary agent. 

At the time of this writing, no other print of this image is believed to have been offered at auction.