First edition of Bettie Kline by Richard Prince (2009)
First impression
Large format hardback in fine condition. There is some minor scuffing to the cover. no internal markings
About
Conceived by Richard Prince and limited to a thousand copies, this large-format artists book juxtaposes Irving Klaws photographs of 1950s pinup model Bettie Page with reproductions of artworks by Abstract Expressionist painter Franz Kline. According to Princes accompanying text, Klawthe self-described Pin-up King, who with his sister Paula produced pinup and bondage photos of subjects including the iconic Pagemaintained a studio at the New York address where Kline lived and worked. In Princes account, Kline would sometimes use Klaws models for figure studies, and Page became his secret subject and muse. The books unexpected pairings of Klaws photos of the models body with Klines expressive marks produce a frisson of surprise and extend the art historical significance of the female nude.
