Irving Penn (American, 1917-2009) Nude, 1949-1950 Gelatin silver print, printed 1980 14-1/4 x 18-1/2 inches (36.2 x 47.0 cm) (image) 16 x 20 inches (sheet) Signed and inscribed in pencil, Photographer/ Condé Nast copyright, edition and date stamps, verso. One of 10 gelatin silver prints of this image in existence. "During the year 1949, I worked—whenever there was time between assignments [for Vogue]—photographing the nude female body. For subjects I turned to women who worked as professional models for painters and sculptors...they were comfortable with their bodies. It helped that their personalities were generally relaxed and uncomplaining, and that they were not apprehensive of close examination by the camera. The relationship between us was professional, without a hint of sexual response. Anything else would have made pictures like these impossible." (Irving Penn, Passage: A Work Record, p. 66) HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved