Man Ray (1890-1976)

Chess Set

Details

Man Ray (1890-1976)
Man Ray
Chess Set
signed and dated 'Man Ray 1947' (on the board)
a complete set of 32 pieces and playing board--aluminum and panel
Height of playing pieces ranging from: 1.3/8 in. (3.4 cm.) to 2 in. (5.1 cm.)
Chess board: 18 x 18 in. (45.7 x 45.7 cm.)
Executed in 1947 (33)

Provenance

Acquired directly from the artist in the late 1950s.
By descent to the present owners.

Literature

A. Schwarz, Man Ray: The Rigour of Imagination, New York, 1977, no. 325 (another version illustrated, p. 217; incorrectly numbered 324).

Lot Essay

Fred Reinfeld (1910-1964) was a champion chess player, and considered one of the foremost experts on the sport. Mr. Reinfeld was also the author of over 100 chess books, editor of the Chess Review and a member of the U.S. Chess Hall of Fame. He purchased the present set from Man Ray, who was also a chess enthusiast, while in Paris. Mr. Reinfeld favored this set for its streamlined design and easy handling.

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