Two Leaves

Ruth Bernhard Archive, Princeton University Art Museum. © Trustees of Princeton University

Two Leaves

Currently not on view

Two Leaves,

1952

Ruth Bernhard, 1905–2006; born Berlin, Germany; died San Francisco, CA
x1991-3.7
Bernhard collected plants and flowers to make photographs highlighting natural forms and found materials—such as the two magnolia leaves seen here. She used two small shaving mirrors to focus a stream of light on each leaf, accentuating the network of veins and the variegated texture of their surfaces. A study in light effects, the photograph juxtaposes the reflection off the glossy surface of one leaf with the soft glow that seems to emanate from the matte reverse of its partner.

Information

Title
Two Leaves
Dates

1952

Maker
Ruth Bernhard
Medium
Gelatin silver print
Dimensions
34.6 x 26.3 cm. (13 5/8 x 10 3/8 in.) mount: 50.8 x 40.6 cm. (20 x 16 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of the artist
Object Number
x1991-3.7
Place Made

North America, United States, California, Berkeley, Nichol Press

Inscription
Signed in graphite, on mount below image bottom right: Ruth Bernhard In graphite, verso top left: Two Leaves 1952 / Ruth Bernhard
Culture
American
Type
gelatin silver prints, black-and-white photographs, photographs
Techniques
gelatin silver process, dry mounting
Subject
Nature, leaf (plant material), plants

Given to the Princeton University Art Museum by Ruth Bernhard (1905–2006).

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