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Sphinx Talented, glamorous, and controversial, Leonor Fini (1907-1996) was one of the most influential women artists of the mid-twentieth century ... more Leonor Fini was legendary for both her vivacious personality and her provocative subjects. She developed close relationships with the Surrealists and and other avant-garde artists and writers including Giorgio de Chirico, Joseph Cornell, Jean Genet, Meret Oppenheim, Leonora Carrington, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Salvador Dalí, Man Ray, and Max Ernst. Central themes of Fini’s art—sphinxes, felines, priestesses, and nudes—are bold proclamations of female sexuality that make a powerful contribution to surrealism as well as to feminist art theory . In addition to her paintings, Fini was renowned for her theatrical set designs, costumes, and posters. Photographs in Sphinx depict these works as well. From early childhood sketchbooks to paintings created throughout her career to captivating photographs—including Henri Cartier-Bresson’s nude portrait of Fini in a pool, which recently sold at auction for a record sum—Sphinx offers a fascinating portrait of a magnetic woman who lived her life with panache and elegance, deftly wrapping drama into her art. At long last we now have a biography in English of this fascinating and magical artist. Not only that but the book serves as a monograph of her work. There are rarely seen photos of Fini plus a chronology of her life with a detailed bibliography. Peter Webb's writing is highly informative and incisive. Includes 160 full-color and 139 black-and-white illustrations I have no hesitation in recommending this book to not only the big admirers of her work but also to those who only have been hitherto a casual observer of the artist for once you pick up the book you just won't want to put it down. Turn the page and there is yet another exquisite reproduction. A perfect biography with pictures to die for. |
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