Sep 3, 2019

Self-Portrait with Mirrors

Self-Portrait with Mirrors

1931 (printed 1980s)

Ilse Bing

(American, 1899–1998)

Gelatin silver print

Image: 26.7 x 30.5 cm (10 1/2 x 12 in.)

The A. W. Ellenberger, Sr., Endowment Fund 2019.177

Location

Did you know?

This playful yet profound self-portrait is the artist’s signature image.

Description

Ilse Bing’s penetrating gaze is directed both at her self-image and at the viewer. The artist set up two mirrors that simultaneously provide profile and frontal views of her face. Neither is a photograph of the artist, merely of her reflection. Photography, this riveting image suggests, is a medium of illusion as well as reportage.

Video

Ilse Bing: Queen of the Leica
See also

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