PIERRE ET GILLES (ACTIFS DEPUIS 1976)
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PIERRE ET GILLES (ACTIFS DEPUIS 1976)

David et Jonathan _ Jean-Yves et Moussa

Details
PIERRE ET GILLES (ACTIFS DEPUIS 1976)
David et Jonathan _ Jean-Yves et Moussa
signé, daté et titré (au dos)
Photographie peinte marouflée sur Dibond encadrée par les artistes
Image : 127.7 x 103.4 cm. (50 3/8 x 40¾ in.)
Avec le cadre : 163.4 x 139 cm. (64¼ x 54¾ in.)
Réalisé en 2005, pièce unique.
Provenance
Galerie Jérôme de Noirmont, Paris
Literature
O.Vallet, Corps Divins Pierre et Gilles, Tours, 2006 (illustré p.24).
E.Geuna, I. Koulik, Pierre et Gilles, Italy, 2007 (illustré p.106).
Exhibited
Paris, Galerie Jérôme de Noirmont, Pierre et Gilles : Un monde parfait, novembre 2006-janvier 2007 (illustré en couleurs p au catalogue d'exposition).
Moscou, Le Manège House of Photographie; St. Petersbourg, Palais de Marbre du Musée Russe, Pierre et Gilles, février-mai 2007 (illustré au catalogue d'exposition).
Paris, Jeu de Paume, Pierre et Gilles, double je, 1976-2007, juin-septembre 2007 (illustré en couleurs p.224 au catalogue d'exposition).
Special notice
" f " : In addition to the regular Buyer’s premium, a commission of 7% (i.e. 7.49% inclusive of VAT for books, 8.372% inclusive of VAT for the other lots) of the hammer price will be charged to the buyer. It will be refunded to the Buyer upon proof of export of the lot outside the European Union within the legal time limit.(Please refer to section VAT refunds)
Further details
DAVID AND JONATHAN - JEAN-YVES AND MOUSSA'; SIGNED, DATED AND TITLED ON THE REVERSE; UNIQUE HAND-PAINTED PHOTOGRAPH IN ARTISTS FRAME.

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Elodie Morel
Elodie Morel

Lot Essay

David and Jonathan were heroic figures of the kingdom of Israel, whose intimate relationship was recorded favorably in the Old Testament. The biblical story of David and his loving friend Jonathan has long been a source of inspiration for Western homo-erotic art and literature, and has been construed as the one episode in the Judeo-Christian scriptures which affirms, at least, passionate attachment between two males; if not an outright homosexual relationship. The nature of this friendship, however, can only be glimpsed through a veil of legend, given the debate amongst religious scholars as to whether this relationship was platonic, romantic but chaste, or sexual.

The picture is dated 2005, what may arguably be considered the most politically-influenced moment of Pierre et Gilles's career. Thus, they have opted for an undeniably provocative element in order to subvert a controversial image, giving the classic gay icons a modern-day update. The heroes are shown in all of their naked glory; or at least, partially. Jonathan is wearing a traditional Muslim head-dress, while David _ standing with his back to the viewer's eye, showing his perfectly rounded buttocks _ is attired with a Jewish skullcap (yarmulke). The message is evident and needs no further interpretation : Pierre et Gilles's David and Jonathan is an allegory for the unification of two antagonist nations _ Israel and Palestine _ by means of (homo-erotic)love.

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