Modern and Contemporary Art Portrait of Man Ray 1941 George Biddle, American, 1885 - 1973 Oil on canvas Currently not on view 1972-121-4 Gift of the artist, 1972 |
LabelThe American Surrealist painter and photographer Man Ray (1890-1976) posed for this portrait in his Hollywood studio in 1941. Philadelphia artist George Biddle surrounds him with an array of strange objects, including a twisted piece of driftwood, a cow's skull, and a piece of drapery that Man Ray's cats eventually tore apart. The artist sits on a couch with his legs crossed, revealing his multicolored socks, while behind him hangs his recently completed painting Leda and the Swan, one of his most arresting and enigmatic Surrealist compositions. |
