Lot 729: Louise Dahl Wolfe Still Life Photograph

Louise Dahl Wolfe (American, 1895-1989) gelatin silver print. Winter still life scene captures hanging icicles and glass bottles framed by a window. Signed “Louise & Mike Dahl – Wolfe” in Louise’s hand on a piece of paper framed behind the photograph. Matted and framed under glass in an ebonized and gilt molded frame with 1977 framing stamp en verso. Sight: 4 3/4 in H x 3 in W. Frame: 11 3/4 in H x 9 1/4 in W. Biography: After studying painting, figure drawing, and design at the San Francisco Institute of Art, Louise Dahl-Wolfe began experimenting with photography in 1921, inspired by Anne Brigman’s photographs. In 1928, Dahl-Wolfe married American sculptor Meyer (“Mike”) Wolfe and soon established herself as a professional photographer. The couple moved to New York City in 1933, where Dahl-Wolfe worked as a freelance photographer before accepting a position at Harper’s Bazaar in 1936.  Throughout this period, Dahl-Wolfe also created striking portrait photographs of society figures and art world celebrities. Following her departure from Harper’s Bazaar in 1958 until her retirement in 1960, Dahl-Wolfe did freelance work for publications including Vogue and Sports Illustrated. Her photographs are often cited as an influence on later photographers, notably Richard Avedon and Irving Penn. (Source: National Museum of Women in the Arts). 

PROVENANCE: Private Nashville collection.

CONDITION: Not examined out of frame.  Some silvering, craquelure and crazing visible on photograph, and sun-fading to ink on signatures.