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Ruth Bernhard (American, 1905–2006)
LOT ID: 78269
Draped Torso, 1962

Silver Print, gelatin silver print
14 х 11 in. cm.
Signed, in pencil on mount lower right verso.
Lot description
Printed c. 2006.

“My quest, through the magic of light and shadow, is to isolate, to simplify and to give emphasis to form with the greatest clarity. To indicate the ideal proportion, to reveal sculptural mass and the dominating spirit is my goal." - Ruth Bernhard

Ruth Bernhard is recognized for her elegant and innovative interpretation of the classical nude and her depiction of organic objects. Born in Berlin in 1905, Bernhard moved to New York in 1927 to pursue a career in photography. During this period, Bernhard was associated with the lesbian subculture of New York City, and became close friends with photographer Berenice Abbott. This was also the time when Bernhard began photographing the female nude, the genre of work for which she would become most well known. After meeting Edward Weston in 1935, Bernhard was inspired to move to the West Coast, and eventually opened her own studio in Hollywood. She died in San Francisco in 2006 at the age of 101. Bernhard's keen awareness of light, composition, and balance allowed her to create timeless and beautiful and beautiful photographs that remain relevant today.
Draped Torso by Ruth Bernhard
  • Draped Torso by Ruth Bernhard
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  • Ruth Bernhard

    Draped Torso
    gelatin silver print, mntd
    (H 13.5, W 8.6) in.
    (34.3 x 21.9) cm.
    Sold for: US$16,250
    Tuesday, October 02, 2012
    Phillips de Pury & Company New York
    Lot 00006
  • Ruth Bernhard

    Draped torso
    gelatin silver print, mntd
    (H 13.6, W 8.9) in.
    (34.5 x 22.7) cm.
    Sold for: US$20,000
    Thursday, October 06, 2011
    Christie's New York
    Lot 00058
  • Ruth Bernhard

    Draped torso
    gelatin silver print, mntd
    (H 13.5, W 8.5) in.
    (34.3 x 21.6) cm.
    Sold for: US$27,500
    Saturday, April 09, 2011
    Phillips de Pury & Company New York
    Lot 00103
  • Ruth Bernhard

    Draped torso
    gelatin silver print, mntd
    (H 13.5, W 8.0) in.
    (34.4 x 20.2) cm.
    Sold for: US$7,500
    Monday, December 07, 2009
    Christie's New York
    Lot 00006
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