작품 상세

A collection of photographs, mostly taken by Ben Rabinovitch, many with his stamp to rear and some attributed to him in pencil on the rear. 25 photos in total, varying in size, including three large 14" x 11". 10 of the photos bear Rabinovitch's stamp to rear, and several others have a penciled attribution to him. All are nudes but one, which is a candid photo. 1 other photo of a different subject (but inscribed to the subject) also accompanies the lot. The subject of this collection is a woman named Dorothy Dublin, noted as being 5' 5", 133 lbs. These photos appear to be a nude study in form. We have been unable to trace who she was, though she may have been an aspiring actress looking to build a portfolio. Photographers like Rabinovitch often had connections with theatrical producers. It is also possible that she simply posed for him in his role as photography instructor. Another photo inscribed to her accompanies this collection, inscribed to Dorothy and signed by a J. Miller, who was likely a model or actor (this photo stamped on back by Ralph Samuels, New York.) Thus we believe this collection of photos was probably Dorothy's personal collection. In any case, Dorothy Dublin does not appear to have had a career that left any public trail, the photographs were not commercially circulated, and this project may have been intended for a very limited audience (possibly just the model and the artist.) Ben Rabinovitch was most active in the 1930s and 40s, and he was known for his dramatic use of light and shadow in the Hollywood style glamour tradition. He photographed actors, dancers, and cultural figures producing moody portraits that emphasized expression and form. He established a prominent studio and gallery in New York and founded the Studio School of Art Photography. He is known for his "Ravgravure" prints, and original photos as those present here are rather scarce. He requested that his negatives be destroyed upon his death.