.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
From 1956, Clergue began to photograph female nudes, and it is for these sensual studies that he is now best known. In the early years, his models were mostly friends, and Clergue recalls that women were more likely to agree to be photographed if their faces were not included. Thus by concealing their identities, he hit on what became a signature style, the portrayal of a 'universal' female form-- typically a symbol of life, fertility and sexuality, bathing in the sea close to his hometown of Arles.
As with much of collection, Don Sanders' Clergue inventory is quite staggering. Although the largest body of work by the artist in private hands, it is a carefully-curated pot-pourri of the best of the nude work, often in portfolio form with personally inscribed and elaborately embellished text inserts. Each set is decorative, charming and unique. Please see lots 328, 338-339, 347, 351 and 362 for other fine examples of his work.
As with much of collection, Don Sanders' Clergue inventory is quite staggering. Although the largest body of work by the artist in private hands, it is a carefully-curated pot-pourri of the best of the nude work, often in portfolio form with personally inscribed and elaborately embellished text inserts. Each set is decorative, charming and unique. Please see lots 328, 338-339, 347, 351 and 362 for other fine examples of his work.