Man Ray’s Noir et Blanche is selling at Christie’s

The earliest known print of Man Ray’s Noir et Blanche photograph will cross the block at Christie’s Paris this autumn.

The surrealist masterpiece shows the Parisian model, muse and socialite Kiki de Montparnasse holding a mask made by the Baule people of Ghana and the Ivory Coast.

Man Ray Blanche

The photograph is an icon of the surrealist movement

Her pale skin is contrasted with its jet black glaze. The image is often shown with its negative, which reverses the tones. 

First published in Vogue in 1926, it’s come to be regarded as one of Man Ray’s finest works.

It has been interpreted in a number of ways, including as a comment on the equality of the races, which was a radical statement during the 1920s.

Original prints are rare at auction and tend to pull in big results.

Sir Elton John paid $607,500 for a diptych (the original and its negative) at Christie’s New York in 1998 - a record for any photograph at the time.  

This example is valued at $1.1m-1.7m.

If it hits that high estimate, it will become one of the 25 most valuable photographs ever sold.

The market for photographs has grown dramatically over the past 10 years, although the demand has been highest for contemporary photographers.

The lot is consigned from the collection of director Thomas Koerfer.

Elodie Morel, director of photography in Paris, said: “To be offering this masterpiece at Christie’s when the world’s top collectors are in town for the Paris Photo Fair, is a real thrill.

“The magic of this masterpiece is what inspired Thomas Koerfer to build his intimate photography collection around.”

Please sign up to our free newsletter to receive exciting news about art and photography auctions.

Register to receive more in-depth articles from our dedicated team.

Register Here

Featured products

Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Elvis Presley Authentic Strand of Hair
Sale price£399
In stock
Fidel Castro signed certificateFidel Castro Signed Certificate
Fidel Castro signed certificate
Sale price£2,995
In stock
King Henry VIII Autographed DocumentKing Henry VIII Autographed Document
King Henry VIII Autographed Document
Sale price£55,000
In stock