by Ellen von Unwerth
Agent Provocateur
Artist: Ellen von Unwerth
This colour photograph stages two models in vintage-cut lingerie around a classic green convertible sports car parked on the gravel forecourt of a pale country house. One stands against the open door in a black lace corset and peaked cap, the other reclines back across the seat in nude lace and lace-up heels, both caught in warm, faded afternoon light. Von Unwerth composes it as a piece of English-country theatre, boudoir glamour transplanted to the driveway of a stately home.
Read as fine art, the picture plays on old money and its transgressions, the propriety of the manor house set against the studied undress of its visitors. The theme is glamour as mischief, a knowing tableau of privilege and desire in which the two figures own the scene entirely, languid rather than displayed. Von Unwerth’s signature is exactly this staging of luxury with a raised eyebrow, provocation delivered as style while her subjects stay in command of the look. The work suits a bold, characterful interior and speaks to collectors drawn to fashion photography’s crossover into fine art. Ellen von Unwerth’s photographs are typically issued as limited editions, each print part of a controlled run.
Size: medium
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