'A woman does not spend her life sitting or standing in front of a seamless white paper background.'
—Helmut NewtonCreated in Paris in 1974, this striking image presents a close-up view of a nude model reclining on a leather divan with her long legs crossed in a relaxed yet seductive manner, wearing only nail varnish and a pair of strappy heels. Taken from above, only the lower half of her body is visible. Helmut Newton (1920-2004) seamlessly balances light against dark and exquisitely renders contrasting textures in this cinematic composition. The monumental scale of the present lot enhances his unique vision of women as sculptural and larger than life.
Frequently rejecting the traditional studio backdrop, Newton preferred to photograph his subjects on location, conveying their integrity and agency through varied settings. ‘A woman does not spend her life sitting or standing in front of a seamless white paper background,’ he explained. ‘I prefer to take my camera out into the street, into public and private places.’ Within the personal sanctuary of a home setting, Mercedes’ pose appears natural and confident; her dramatically cropped figure filling the frame commands our attention. Within Newton’s œuvre, Mercedes is exceptional for its heightened sense of intimacy, inviting us to partake in this private rendezvous between the artist and his subject.
Phillips Photographs extend our sincere thanks to Dr Matthias Harder, Director & Curator of the Helmut Newton Foundation, for his expertise and advice.
