Description:
Ruth Bernhard (American, 1905-2006)
Spanish Dancer, 1971. Signed "Ruth Bernhard" in pencil on the mount l.r., titled, dated, and signed "...Ruth Bernhard" in pencil on the mount reverse, copyright stamp in black ink on mount reverse. Selenium-toned gelatin silver print mounted to board, image/sheet size 8 x 13 3/8 in. (20.2 x 33.8 cm),matted, unframed.
Condition: Good.
N.B. Although Ruth Bernhard began her career as a commercial photographer, it was a chance meeting with Edward Weston that convinced her of the creative possibilities of the photographic medium. Distinguished by their exquisite use of light and shadow, her photographs of nudes aimed "to transform the complexities of the figure into harmonies of simplified form revealing the innate reality, the life force, the spirit, the inherent symbolism."[1]
[1] Quoted in Peter C. Bunnell, Ruth Bernhard: Photographs, exhibition brochure, Princeton University Art Museum, 1996.
Estimate $5,000-7,000
Mount measures 20 x 16 in. (50.8 x 40.7 cm). No additional issues to report.
The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.
Stephen L. Fletcher
Partner/Executive Vice President and Chief Auctioneer
Director of American Furniture & Decorative Arts
508-970-3000
Robin S.R. Starr
Vice President
Director of American & European Works of Art
508-970-3206
Elizabeth Haff
Specialist, American & European Works of Art
Old Masters & 19th Century
508-970-3206
Kathleen M. Leland
Specialist, American & European Works of Art
Modern & Contemporary Art
508-970-3206
James Leighton
Specialist, American & European Works of Art
Fine Photographs
508-970-3206
American & European Works of Art
The American & European Works of Art department brings years of experience, connoisseurship, and knowledge of art history to bear in every fine art appraisal, evaluation, and auction.