Artist
ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE (1946–1989)

Title
SPHINX

Medium
Gelatin silver print, mounted on board

Signature
Signed stamp on verso

Dimensions
Photograph: 19 1/4 × 19 7/16 in. (48.8 × 49.3 cm)
Framed: 23 5/8 × 23 5/8 in. (60 × 60 cm)

Description
Robert Mapplethorpe (1946–1989) was an American photographer renowned for his highly refined and formally composed photographs. Best known for his black-and-white imagery, Mapplethorpe explored a diverse range of subjects, including celebrity portraits, male and female nudes, self-portraits, and still-life compositions. His meticulous attention to composition, light, texture, and form established him as one of the most influential photographers of the late twentieth century.

Sphinx exemplifies Mapplethorpe’s distinctive exploration of sculptural form and the human figure. Characterized by a restrained composition and carefully controlled tonal range, the work emphasizes the interplay of light, shadow, contour, and texture. The title evokes the enigmatic and timeless qualities traditionally associated with the sphinx, while Mapplethorpe’s precise photographic treatment transforms the subject into a striking study of form and presence. The work reflects the artist’s enduring fascination with beauty, symmetry, and the sculptural qualities of the photographic subject.

Condition:
Any statement made in any catalogue or otherwise regarding the origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, or estimated selling price of any lot is an expression of opinion only. Such statements do not constitute a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Oldstone Ventures LLC in relation to any lot.
Prospective buyers are strongly advised to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy and reliability of the catalogue description prior to making a purchase. The absence of specific references to prior restorations or condition issues in the descriptions does not imply that the item is free from such restorations or defects.
Photographs provided by Oldstone Ventures LLC are for indicative purposes only and are not guaranteed to precisely reflect the actual condition, color, or quality of the items.
Buyer Responsibility:
Buyers are encouraged to seek independent expert advice regarding the authenticity, condition, and value of any item before placing a bid.
Contact Us:
For any inquiries or further information, please feel free to contact us via email at oldstoneventures@gmail.com.