Man Ray 1928 Silver-Gelatin Rayograph with Alphabet Stencils and Revolver

Item Details

Man Ray (American; 1890-1976)
Untitled, 1928
Silver-Gelatin Rayograph
5’ W x 7’ H

An untitled silver-gelatin rayograph on photographic paper, created in 1928 by famed Dadaist and Surrealist Man Ray (1890-1976). This abstract rayograph, also referred to as a photogram, features a gathering of various silhouetted objects including alphabet stencils and a revolver. Marked to the verso is a studio stamp that reads ‘MAN RAY / 31bis, Rue / Campagne / Première / PARIS / Littré 17-57’ [Manford M4]. The print is unmounted and remains unframed.

Born Emmanuel Radnitzky, Man Ray adopted his professional pseudonym as early as 1909. Working in a variety of media, he became a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements. He is especially known for his photograms, which he called “rayographs”. Man Ray participated in intellectual circles that included Gertrude Stein, Marcel Duchamp, and James Joyce, among others. Significantly, he was included in the first Surrealist exhibition that was held at the Galerie Pierre in 1925 among other renowned Surrealist artists such as Jean Arp, Max Ernst, and Joan Miró. His work has been represented by numerous art institutions including the Museum of Modern Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Guggenheim Museum, to name a few.

Beginning in 1921, the artist produced his “rayographs” without a camera by placing everyday objects directly onto photosensitized paper, then exposing it to light. This process particularly appealed to Man Ray because it transformed everyday items into ambiguous basic forms and shadows, eliminating tactile and textural features. Resulting in images that wavered the line of abstract and representational, his rayographs brought his photographic work into the avant-garde realm of art.

Condition

- slight curling to print; some wear along edges; creases and loss along corners.

Dimensions

Item #

18DCC083-103