Belle Haleine, Eau de Voilette (Marcel Duchamp) - Attributed to Man Ray and Rose Sélavy
- Created
- 1921
- Nationality
- American/French (attributed to Man Ray and Marcel Duchamp, both holding dual nationalities)
- Primary Profession(s)
- Artwork; Photography; Assemblage
Creation and Composition
- Belle Haleine, Eau de Voilette is a readymade sculpture created in 1921.
- It is a modified Rigaud perfume bottle.
- The label was altered to feature a portrait of Marcel Duchamp as his female alter ego, Rrose Sélavy.
- The photograph on the label is attributed to Man Ray.
Career and Major Achievements (relating to this work)
- Represents a significant early example of Duchamp's readymade art.
- Illustrates Duchamp's exploration of gender and identity through his Rrose Sélavy persona.
- Showcases Man Ray's contribution to the Dada and Surrealist movements through photography.
Notable Details
- The title translates to "Beautiful Breath, Violet Water".
- The object exemplifies the Dadaist principle of challenging traditional notions of art.
- The collaboration between Duchamp and Man Ray highlights the interdisciplinary nature of the avant-garde. The intersection of visual and olfactory elements contribute to a multifaceted artwork.
- Many seek the complete "belle main eluard man ray biography" , although this specific work mainly connects Duchamp (Rrose Sélavy) and Man Ray.
Legacy and Impact
Belle Haleine, Eau de Voilette remains an iconic work of Dada art, demonstrating the subversion of consumer culture and the exploration of identity politics within the avant-garde movement. Its collaboration between Duchamp and Man Ray solidified their places as significant figures in 20th-century art history. It significantly impacted the conception of art and challenged the established art world.