Back, Paris
"Back, Paris" by Erwin Blumenfeld is a toned gelatin silver print that exemplifies the photographer's sophisticated approach to portraiture and the human form during the mid twentieth century. The work demonstrates Blumenfeld's mastery of photographic technique through careful tonal manipulation and compositional restraint, focusing on the sculptural qualities of the back as a subject. As a unique print, the work reflects Blumenfeld's experimental darkroom practices and his influence on fashion and fine art photography during his prolific career.
- Medium
- Unique toned gelatin silver print.
- Location
- Phillips, Salt Lake City, UT
- Spotted At
- Auction House · PhillipsView on map
🔨 Auction Lot
Photographs
April 2, 2025
Lot 34
Artists in conversation
Man Ray
American · b. 1890
Man Ray similarly explored the nude female form through surrealist and experimental darkroom techniques, producing iconic toned gelatin silver prints that treat the human back and body as sculptural, abstract compositions. His Parisian modernist photography shares the same sensual restraint and technical sophistication found in this Blumenfeld work.
Edward Weston
American · b. 1886
Weston's celebrated figure studies in black and white gelatin silver emphasize the sculptural qualities of the human form, using tonal precision and compositional minimalism to transform the nude back into an abstract, almost architectural subject. His mid twentieth century modernist approach to portraying the body closely mirrors Blumenfeld's aesthetic sensibility in this piece.
Bill Brandt
British · b. 1904
Brandt produced dramatically toned, high contrast monochrome figure studies during the mid twentieth century that similarly emphasized the sculptural and abstract potential of the human back and nude form. His experimental darkroom practices and surrealist sensibility align closely with the tonal manipulation and artistic restraint visible in this Blumenfeld print.
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