IRVING PENN (American, 1917-2009). Harlequin Dress, Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn, 1950. Platinum-palladium, 1979. 20-3/4 x 19 ...

Description

IRVING PENN (American, 1917-2009)
Harlequin Dress, Lisa Fonssagrives-Penn, 1950
Platinum-palladium, 1979
20-3/4 x 19 inches (52.6 x 48.3 cm)
Verso: signed, titled, dated, and numbered 27/30 in pencil, edition and Penn/Condé Nast copyright credit reproduction stamps
State: flush-mounted to aluminum, matted, framed, and glazed
PROVENANCE:
Private Collection, New York.

LITERATURE:
Other prints of this image:
J. Szarkowski, Irving Penn, The Museum of Modern Art, 1984, pl. 49;
Westerbeck, ed., Irving Penn: A Career in Photography, Art Institute of Chicago/Little, Brown and Co., 1997, cat. no. 69, pl. 44, p.93; M. Foresta and W. Stapp, Irving Penn: Master Images, Smithsonian Institution, 1990, pl. 27.

Irving Penn began his career with Vogue in 1943, and over fifty years 150 of his photographs appeared on the cover of Vogue. Lisa Fonssagrives, one of the most sought after fashion models of her time, married Penn in 1950, the same time that some of his iconic fashion images of her were captured. Woman in Palace, Morocco; Woman with Roses on her Arm; Woman with Umbrella; Coca Dress, Balenciaga; and Harlequin Dress were all taken during 1950-51. Penn began reprinting in the 1960s a large majority of his work with the platinum palladium process. The registration bar at the top of the photograph as seen in this example, was common for Penn's work. It allowed multiple negatives, each containing a particular portion of the photographic scale, to be printed on one sheet of paper. The process of multiple exposures created an image that would not be possible with a single exposure.


More information about IRVING PENN. See also: Penn, Irving, Irving Penn Artist.

*Heritage Auctions strives to provide as much information as possible but encourages in-person inspection by bidders. Statements regarding the condition of objects are only for general guidance and should not be relied upon as complete statements of fact, and do not constitute a representation, warranty or assumption of liability by Heritage. Some condition issues may not be noted in the condition report but are apparent in the provided photos which are considered part of the condition report. Please note that we do not de-frame lots estimated at $1,000 or less and may not be able to provide additional details for lots valued under $500. Heritage does not guarantee the condition of frames and shall not be liable for any damage/scratches to frames, glass/acrylic coverings, original boxes, display accessories, or art that has slipped in frames. All lots are sold "AS IS" under the Terms & Conditions of Auction.