Le Violon d'Ingres (Ingres's Violin)
Man Ray and Montparnasse
American visual artist Man Ray (born Emmanuel Radnitzky) moved to Paris from New York in 1921. There, he became a member of the surrealist movement and socialised with the most distinguished artists of the roaring twenties. He collaborated with the creative likes of Ernest Hemingway, André Breton, Jacqueline Goddard, Salvador Dalí and most famously, Kiki de Montparnasse.
Montparnasse, born Alice Ernestine Prine, was a cabaret performer, painter and Man Ray’s muse. She labelled herself “Kiki” and "de Montparnasse" derives from her influence in the Parisian area of the same name. Montparnasse and Man Ray met in 1921 and immediately began their love affair. She appeared in his films and modelled for his photographs and paintings. Being in the company of Man Ray and his various artist friends inspired Montparnasse to embark on an artistic journey of her own. She created a series of paintings, all whilst posing for other artists. She was known for her confidence and celebrating her nudity
In the six years of their relationship, Man Ray and Montparnasse created Man Ray’s most acclaimed works of art, including Le Violon d’Ingres (1924). Montparnasse continued to collaborate with other artists, as she descended into alcoholism and cocaine addiction. Her life was cut short in March 1953 when she died aged 51, but her influence on the artists of the 1920s lives on.
Montparnasse, born Alice Ernestine Prine, was a cabaret performer, painter and Man Ray’s muse. She labelled herself “Kiki” and "de Montparnasse" derives from her influence in the Parisian area of the same name. Montparnasse and Man Ray met in 1921 and immediately began their love affair. She appeared in his films and modelled for his photographs and paintings. Being in the company of Man Ray and his various artist friends inspired Montparnasse to embark on an artistic journey of her own. She created a series of paintings, all whilst posing for other artists. She was known for her confidence and celebrating her nudity
In the six years of their relationship, Man Ray and Montparnasse created Man Ray’s most acclaimed works of art, including Le Violon d’Ingres (1924). Montparnasse continued to collaborate with other artists, as she descended into alcoholism and cocaine addiction. Her life was cut short in March 1953 when she died aged 51, but her influence on the artists of the 1920s lives on.