Transmutations

1934–1935

Brassaï

Associated Names
Brassaï

Artist, French, born Transylvania, 1899 - 1984

The image features a large solid black rectangle filling most of the frame, with a single signature-like line in the bottom right corner in a contrasting color.
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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    portfolio of 12 gelatin silver prints

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Madame Gilberte Brassaï Estate

  • Dimensions

    image/sheet (each): 23.65 × 17.78 cm (9 5/16 × 7 in.)
    mount (each): 38.1 × 57.15 cm (15 × 22 1/2 in.)
    other (portfolio): 39.53 × 30.48 × 3.65 cm (15 9/16 × 12 × 1 7/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2013.5.24.1-12

Associated Artworks

See all 12 artworks
The image showcases a composition of circular and geometric shapes against a textured background. There are various shapes including circles and lines, creating an abstract design.

Femme-Fruit (Woman-Fruit), from Transmutations

Brassaï

1934

The image shows an intricate abstract composition of curved and angular shapes intersecting with vertical and diagonal lines. These lines form a silhouette resembling a jester with a triangular hat and circular eyes on a rounded face. The body is represented by geometric patterns mimicking clothing with an ornate design. Contrasting textures and patterns create an abstract impression.

Sévillane dénudée (Naked Woman of Seville), from Transmutations

Brassaï

1934

The image shows curvilinear shapes and intersecting lines forming an abstract composition. The composition resembles a silhouette of a reclining human figure divided vertically, integrating textures and patterns that evoke familiar objects like draped fabrics or shimmering water on one side. These elements blend together, creating movement and contrast between the solid surface and the textured background.

Odalisque, from Transmutations

Brassaï

1934

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Brassaï, bequeathed to his wife, Gilberte, Paris; Madame Gilberte Brassaï Estate, Paris; gift to NGA, 2013.

Associated Names

Inscriptions

on colophon page, signed by artist, lower right in black marker ink: [underlined] Brassaï; by artist, center in black marker ink: 86; stamped center in black ink: [in oval] SUCCESSION / BRASSAÏ / ESTATE; on each sheet, embossed, lower left corner: VERTIABLE PAPIER D'ARCHES / SATINE

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