2 vintage gelatin silver prints on Agfa paper
Africa, 1965/75
Leni Riefenstahl (1902-2003) – German dancer, film director and photographer
Each fitted with the copyright stamp on verso; inscribed with pencil
Image/sheet size: 24 x 18 cm; 17,8 x 23,7 cm
Frame (1 work): 42 x 32 cm
Very good/ good condition
Leni Riefenstahl is famous for her outstanding films and photographic output, and is still one of the most controversially discussed artists of the 20th century

In the 1970s Leni Riefenstahl successfully published her photographic documentaries on the African tribe of the Nuba. The present set comprises two vintage gelatin silver prints, depicting a Nuba man and a martial ritual scene. The pictures were taken during her extensive trips through Africa, where Riefenstahl had met the Sudanese indigenous folk of the Nuba und even learned their language. Her photo series gained recognition worldwide.



Condition:

The photograph of the Nuba man is in very good condition. It is matted and measures 24 x 18 cm. The wooden frame shows small traces of wear and measures 42 x 32 cm. The photograph of the fight scene is in good condition considering its age. It shows faint superficial crease marks.



Leni Riefenstahl (1902-2003)

Helene ‘Leni‘ Riefenstahl was born in Berlin-Wedding. In 1918 she attended the Academy of Arts and was also trained in ballet and modern dance. Only two years later she was already active as a dancer in Germany, Switzerland and Czechoslovakia. After her first solo performance in ‘Diotima’ in 1923, it was Max Reinhardt who engaged her as a solo dancer for the Deutsche Theater in Berlin. Her career as a film actress started in 1926, when she celebrated her debut in Arnold Fanck's movie ‘Der heilige Berg’. Riefenstahl became his leading actress until she felt mature enough for her own directorial debut with the film ‘Das blaue Licht’ in 1932. Adolf Hitler was fascinated by her talent and therefore commissioned her for a number of propaganda and documentary films after the seizure of power by the National Socialists. Leni Riefenstahl was later heavily criticized for her activities under the Nazi regime, so that she decided to cease her filming in favor of photography. Riefenstahl produced large series such as her photo documentary on the Sudanese indigenous people of the ‘Nuba’, which is regarded one of her most important international successes of her later artistic output. (cbo)

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