Ilse Bing

ILSE BING "SILVER SHOES" PHOTOGRAPH, 1935

One of the most interesting characteristics of pre-1950's Photography is the number of accomplished female photographers.

This new medium, while it struggled to assert itself as a branch of fine art, was progressively accepting of women working with it, elevating it and setting a framework to be more egalitarian. 

The number of innovative female photographers working in the 1930's is impressive, including Imogen Cunningham, Claude Cahun, Dorothea Lange, Berenice Abbott and Lisette Model to mention a few. 

Ilse Bing (1889-1998) is an interesting addition to the above list. She was both part of the european avant-garde but also a successful commercial or fashion photographer. 

Her early published photographs were for German newspapers, yet she rapidly established her reputation and achieved commissions from several fashion magazines including French Vogue and Harper's Bazaar. Based in Paris she was known as one of the only photographers to be working with a Leica camera. 

In 1936, her work was included in the first modern photography exhibition held at the Louvre, and in 1937 she travelled to New York where her images were included in the landmark exhibition "Photography 1839–1937" at the Museum of Modern Art.

Despite international recognition as a photographer, Bing was not protected from the rise of violent anti-Semitism in Europe at the onset of WWII. Both Bing and her husband were German Jews and were interned by the Vichy Government.  Miraculously they were able to avoid deportation and managed to escape to New York City in 1940.

Bing's work from the 1930's are most desirable. Surprisingly she would give up photography in the late 1950's which led to her being nearly forgotten. In the last ten years there has been a rediscovery of her contribution to the medium with major exhibitions occurring at museums such as the V&A (London). Today her work can be found in major public collections around the world including SFMoMA, the Art Institute of Chicago and the MoMA. The National Gallery of Canada hold over 65 examples of her work. 

Note: this image is sometimes cataloged as "Gold Lamé Shoes"

Questions about this artwork? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720

Silver gelatine print, 1935

Signed and dated in pencil by artist verso. 

10.5”H 13.5”W (work)  

Very good condition.

 



- Where does the inventory ship from?
Our inventory is divided between New York and Toronto. 

- Where do you ship to?
We can ship anywhere. Typically when we ship within North America we prefer to use FedEx or DHL. To Europe, Asia and beyond we generally use DHL. 

- How much does it cost to ship?
For shipments within North America, we typically charge a flat rate fee. Many items on our site will list the rate. For shipping outside of North America, we can easily provide a quote and will look for the most efficient and economical option.

Most of the items on our site can be easily shipped internationally.

Occasionally we will recommend that an artwork be removed from its frame for shipping. Larger framed works are typically framed with plexiglass. We export over 80% of what we sell, so we are comfortable shipping anywhere. 

- Are there additional taxes or fees?
When a work is valued above $2,500 usd there is a possibility of tax of 0.35%, but this is applied sporadically. There can similarly be an additional fee for customs brokerage and this can range from $20 - $65. US Taxes, duties and customs brokerage are not included in our flat rate shipping. However most of our shipments to the US enter without any additional fees. 

- Do you provide a certificate of authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee everything we sell. We can provide both a digital and printed version of our certificate of authenticity. 

What is your return policy?
- Caviar20 wants you to be 100% satisfied with your purchase. We have a 7 day no-questions full refund return policy for your purchase. Shipping charges are non-refundable. Return shipping is the responsibility of the customer. After 8 days returns are given a credit note. There is no expiration for our credit notes.

- What payment methods do you accept?

If purchasing directly online, Caviar20 accepts all major credit cards as well as Paypal. If invoiced, Caviar20 accepts all major credit cards on regularly priced merchandise. 

Discounted material must be paid by wire transfer, or with Paypal (if funds are sent as 'friends and family'). There is a 3.5% administration fee for credit cards on discounted material. 

Caviar20 does not accept personal checks or Zelle. 

Canadian clients are welcomed and encouraged to pay with interac.
 
Please contact us directly at info@caviar20.com if interested in paying with a cryptocurrency (Bitcoin, Ethereum).

 

You may also like