Richard Avedon (1923–2004) - Dovima with Elephants, Paris, Cirque d’Hiver, 1955

Dovima at the Cirque d’Hiver Bouglione.
The American model Dovima poses for Harper’s Bazaar in what is considered the most famous fashion photograph of all time.
It brings to the forefront the designs of a very young designer, Yves Saint-Laurent, who was then working for Dior.
Dovima with elephants was created by Richard Avedon at the Cirque d’Hiver in Paris, which has a skylight letting in natural light, before the collections were launched. It features the American model Dovima posing among several elephants. There are at least two variants of the photo, the other showing Dovima in a black evening gown.
Black-and-white digital print with a glossy finish.
Hot foil embossing.
Former Misomex assembly specimen (CTP – Computer to Plate – film or file replication machine for offset plate imposition).
Printer SERAG. Medium resolution. Later print.
Format 14.8 x 21.4 cm, mounted on a wood panel 24 x 30 cm.
In very good condition.
Labels and annotations on the reverse.

Richard Avedon is an American fashion photographer and portraitist who worked with or collaborated with Harper’s Bazaar, Life and Vogue for 25 years. He created a body of work ranging from fashion to photo reportage, portraits of Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot or Sophia Loren.
He is best known for his numerous black-and-white portraits. Avedon made photographic portraiture a true art after initially finding success with fashion photography.