AVEDON RICHARD (1923 2004) Rudolf Nureyev Paris France

Sale 2191 - Lot 284

Price Realized: $ 26,400

?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price

Estimate: $ 30,000 - $ 40,000

AVEDON, RICHARD (1923-2004)
"Rudolf Nureyev, Paris, France." Silver print, 14 inches (35.6 cm.) square, with Avedon's signature, dates and edition notations 5/30, in pencil and his copyright and title/date stamp on verso. 1961; printed 1999

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As a world-renowned dancer and choreographer, Rudolf Nureyev pushed the boundaries of ballet, blending aspects of modern dance into his choreography, and shattering the preconceived notions of ballet as a strictly traditional art form.

Born in the U.S.S.R. in 1938, Nureyev was six years old when he saw his first ballet with his mother. Enamored of the ethereal beauty of the performance, Nureyev decided to become a dancer, despite initial protestations by his father. In 1961, during his first foreign tours, he made both his London and Paris debuts. Finding vast freedoms and opportunities in western Europe, Nureyev sought asylum in Paris and from there, his career evolved at great speed. He rapidly emerged as one of the most revered danseurs of the 20th century.

In 1961 Nureyev was a frequent subject for photographer Richard Avedon. His androgynous appearance, which today is commonplace amongst dancers, was uncharacteristic of the era. He intentionally modeled his physique after the graceful female dancers with whom he danced in Paris. As a result, Avedon found great interest in both Nureyev's lyrical movements and his angular features, which were heightened against Avedon's signature sparse backdrop.

In this minimalist setting, Nureyev stares directly at Avedon's camera with the poise and confidence of a performer whose body is his greatest attribute.

Sadly, he was diagnosed with HIV in the early 1980s, when the disease was just becoming known. Nureyev originally hid his diagnosis, but the disease quickly ravaged his body. He died in 1993.

From the Fraenkel Gallery, California; to a Private Collector.