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PENN, IRVING (1917- ) Marcel Duchamp.
PENN, IRVING (1917- )
Marcel Duchamp. Platinum-palladium print on Rives paper, flush-mounted on aluminum, 19x12 1/4 inches (48.3x31.1 cm.), with Penn's signature, title, dates, and edition notations, "6/20," in pencil and his hand stamp, on mount verso. 1960; printed 1979
Marcel Duchamp. Platinum-palladium print on Rives paper, flush-mounted on aluminum, 19x12 1/4 inches (48.3x31.1 cm.), with Penn's signature, title, dates, and edition notations, "6/20," in pencil and his hand stamp, on mount verso. 1960; printed 1979
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Notes: A meticulous craftsman, Penn experimented extensively with platinum- palladium printing, beginning in the early 1960s, transforming his already celebrated photographs into works of art that he could oversee from start to finish. His subjects are rendered in subtle, yet rich, tonal ranges and textures. This new printing process was championed by Penn in his search for greater freedom of expression.
A pioneer of the platinum-palladium print, Penn''s unique experience with this process sets him apart from other photographers of his time. Using platinum, chemicals could be applied with a brush, allowing for a more visible sense of the artist''s hand. Over time, Penn discovered that platinum produced a lavish tonal image but could be ''coarse'' when used alone. Likewise, palladium gave delicate tones, but lacked true blacks. After many trials, he realized that when platinum and palladium were mixed together in the correct proportions and coated onto the paper multiple times they would create luminous prints. He spent several years perfecting his technique and did not produce prints he found acceptable until 1967.
Known for his work in the fashion studios at Vogue, Penn''s portraits echo his interests in the economy of the image. Unlike the more prevalent style of commercial photography at this time, Penn''s portraits remain free of reference to his sitter''s work or personal surroundings. Subjects are positioned in a narrow corner, a setting that confined and presented them in a more objective light. This particular image of Marcel Duchamp offers the viewer a more personal conversation between photographer and subject, escaping the projection of celebrity representation.
Irving Penn, unpaginated.
Moments Preserved, 128.
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