Dora Maar - picture of the day

 

Dora Maar by Man Ray

You know how there’s a running gag about Picasso and paintings of women with all their features spread all over and both eyes being on the same side of the head and mouth all askew well it is mostly from Pablo’s paintings of the legendary artist, muse and fine photographer in her own right Dora Maar (see above)

 I think Man Ray is referencing these paintings here with the drawn eye on her hand but what do I know?

Dom Pablo saw her like this

The Making of Guernica

Dora Maar, Photos of  Pablo Picasso’s Guernica in progress

Executed in between May 4 and June 10, 1937, in Picasso’s Left Bank studio on the Rue des Grands Augustins. Picasso’s progress on the painting was documented by his then-lover, artist and photographer Dora Maar. Maar was a formidable talent in her own right and deserved of much more attention. Muse certainly but also independent artist, painter, poet and photographer (she once shared a studio with Brassai) who documented much of the era as well as exploring her own deep creativity.

Dora Maar in her studio 1946 by Brassai

Dora Maar in her studio with her portrait of Gertrude Stein's partner Alice B Toklas

 

Dora Maar portrait by Man Ray

Raymond Roussel, Étoile cosmique

Roussel made this little memento 'Cosmic Star' after he had a lunch on July 29th, 1923 with the astronomer and writer, Camille Flammarion. He saved a curious little star-shaped cookie from the occasion which he encased in a silver pendant with glass. The piece was sold after his death in 1933 and discovered by chance by Georges Bataille at a flea market. Bataille gave it to his then-lover, Dora Maar artist and muse for Picasso and Bataille amongst others. Dora Maar kept it for the rest of her life.

It was due to sell at auction for between 10,000 -15,000 E but reached over 31,000 euros