Object Details
Artist
Man Ray, 27 Aug 1890 - 18 Nov 1976
Sitter
Peggy Guggenheim, 26 Aug 1898 - 23 Dec 1979
Exhibition Label
Born New York City
Peggy Guggenheim rebelled against her conservative Manhattan upbringing by joining the Parisian avant-garde. At twenty-one, she inherited a fortune that made her wealthy enough to live as she pleased, even if she was not rich by Guggenheim standards. She moved to Paris in 1921 and married Laurence Vail, a well-known figure in artistic circles.
At their frequent parties, Guggenheim performed the role of host in a stunning gold lamé gown by designer Paul Poiret. She complemented its exotic style with elaborate Egyptian earrings and a gold headdress. “It suited me perfectly,” she commented.
Guggenheim commissioned Man Ray, an American photographer living in Paris, to document her glamorous public persona. In this photograph, she strikes a theatrical pose with a long cigarette holder.
Guggenheim’s enthusiasm for cutting-edge fashion gradually evolved into a passion for modern art. She went on to become one of the most significant collectors of the twentieth century.
Nacida en la ciudad de Nueva York
Peggy Guggenheim se rebeló contra su crianza conservadora en la sociedad de Manhattan y se integró a la vanguardia parisina. A los 21 años heredó una fortuna que le permitió vivir como quisiera, aunque no fuera rica según los estándares de los Guggenheim. Se radicó en París en 1921 y se casó con Laurence Vail, figura conocida en los círculos artísticos.
En sus frecuentes fiestas, Guggenheim desempeñaba su papel de anfitriona con trajes deslumbrantes como este modelo en lamé dorado del diseñador Paul Poiret. Completaban el exótico estilo unos llamativos aretes egipcios y un turbante dorado. “Me sentaba perfectamente”, comentó ella.
Guggenheim encargó a Man Ray, fotógrafo estadounidense radicado en París, que documentara su glamurosa imagen pública. Aquí adopta una pose teatral con una larga boquilla.
El entusiasmo de Guggenheim por lo último de la moda evolucionó hacia la pasión por el arte moderno. Fue una de los coleccionistas más importantes del siglo XX.
Credit Line
National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution
Date
1924
Object number
NPG.84.120
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Copyright
© Man Ray 2015 Trust / Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY / ADAGP, Paris
Type
Photograph
Medium
Gelatin silver print
Dimensions
Image/Sheet: 48.6 × 33.3 cm (19 1/8 × 13 1/8")
Mat: 71.1 × 55.9 cm (28 × 22")
See more items in
National Portrait Gallery Collection
Location
Currently not on view
Data Source
National Portrait Gallery
Topic
Costume\Jewelry\Earring
Interior
Costume\Headgear\Hat
Costume\Jewelry\Ring
Home Furnishings\Furniture\Table
Costume\Jewelry\Bracelet
Equipment\Smoking Implements\Cigarette
Equipment\Smoking Implements\Cigarette holder
Peggy Guggenheim: Female
Peggy Guggenheim: Arts and Culture\Visual Arts\Founder\Art museum founder
Peggy Guggenheim: Arts and Culture\Patron of the arts
Peggy Guggenheim: Arts and Culture\Visual Arts\Art collector
Peggy Guggenheim: Arts and Culture\Visual Arts\Visual arts administrator\Art museum administrator\Art museum director
Portrait
Link to Original Record
Record ID
npg_NPG.84.120