Details
FRATELLI ALINARI (1830–1890)
Seiltanzer, c. 1890
albumen cabinet card, mounted on board
printed photographer's credit (recto); credited, titled and dated on affixed exhibition labels (frame backing board)
image: 312 x 218 in. (8.9 x 5.4 cm.)
sheet: 418 x 238 in. (10.5 x 6 cm.)
mount: 1378 x 1078 in. (35.2 x 27.6 cm.)
Provenance
Galerie Clairefontaine, Luxembourg;
acquired from the above by the present owner.
Literature
W.M. Hunt, The Unseen Eye: Photographs from the Unconscious, Aperture, New York, 2011, p. 79.
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Lot Essay

'Great photographs have perfect balance. The Alinari image is bisected neatly on the horizon by the steadying pole of the performer. The weight of his left foot anchors him to the rope in the centre of the frame and that contrasts with the dramatic flourish of his right hand, as if to indicate ‘ta dah!’ This is a seductive and existential jewel.' – W.M. Hunt

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