DER AKT The Nude ~ Koch & Rieth Portfolio 1895

German rarity Der Act (aka Der Akt) an early portfolio of 100 male and female photographic nude studies published in Leipzig: M.Bauer International Kunstverlag,1895. The creators of this masterpiece drew upon classical academic figure studies for some of their compositions, inserting nude figures as sculptural elements in architectural columns. The impact of the nude figures was multiplied in many of the photographs with the use of mirrors. 

The handful posted here are representative of a group of about twenty plates that passed through my hands and into those of my clients 20 years ago. Otherwise, not previously seen or owned any of these very usual, avant-garde nudes from the end of the 19th century.

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Georges Hugnet LA VIE AMOUREUSE DES SPUMIFERES

Georges Hugnet's LA VIE AMOUREUSE DES SPUMIFERES, a book of surreal photographic images, published in Paris, 2011. Created in the 1940s by surrealist artist, writer and publisher Georges Hugnet, the fantasy "spumiferes" creatures were painted on the surface of classic 1920s French, real photo postcards. The ensuing amorous menagerie were first made public in this marvelous and now allusive volume which immediately sold-out at publication. Hugnet's legacy includes the iconic La Septieme Face du De, Huit Jour a Trebeaumec and the 1937 set of surrealist postcards. Click here for more about Hugnet and the surrealist postcards.

vasta@earthlink.net

DER ACT The Nude ~ Koch & Rieth Portfolio 1895

German rarity Der Act (sic: Der Akt) an early portfolio of 100 male and female photographic nude studies published in Leipzig: M.Bauer International Kunstverlag,1895. The creators of this masterpiece drew upon classical academic figure studies for some of their compositions, inserting nude figures as sculptural elements in architectural columns. The impact of the nude figures was intensified in many of the photographs with the use of mirrors. 

The handful posted here are representative of a group of about twenty plates that passed through my hands and into those of my clients about five years ago. Otherwise, not previously seen or owned any of these very usual, avant-garde nudes from the end of the 19th century.

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