Manina, Paris

A striking example of Blumenfeld's mastery of experimental darkroom techniques, this solarised gelatin silver print transforms its subject through the ethereal reversal of tones that defines the solarisation process. The portrait of Manina takes on a dreamlike, otherworldly quality as the interplay of light and shadow creates a sense of luminous ambiguity around the figure. Created in postwar Paris, the work reflects Blumenfeld's ongoing exploration of surrealist-influenced photography and his ability to elevate fashion and portraiture into high art.