The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of April 19, 2024

Self-Portrait with Mirrors

Self-Portrait with Mirrors

1931 (printed 1980s)
(American, 1899–1998)
Image: 26.7 x 30.5 cm (10 1/2 x 12 in.)
© Estate of Ilse Bing
Location: not on view

Did You Know?

This playful yet profound self-portrait is the artist’s signature image.

Description

Ilse Bing’s penetrating gaze is directed both at her self-image and at the viewer. The artist set up two mirrors that simultaneously provide profile and frontal views of her face. Neither is a photograph of the artist, merely of her reflection. Photography, this riveting image suggests, is a medium of illusion as well as reportage.
  • Estate of the Artist
    Michael Mattis and Judith Hochberg, Scarsdale, NY
    September 3, 2019
    the Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH
  • "In perspective: art-world news and market updates, exhibitions and events: Leica queen." Art & antiques 43, no. 3 (March 2020): p.24-35. Reproduced: p. 30; Mention: p. 30
  • Ilse Bing: Queen of the Leica. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (March 7-October 11, 2020).
  • {{cite web|title=Self-Portrait with Mirrors|url=false|author=Ilse Bing|year=1931 (printed 1980s)|access-date=19 April 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/2019.177