SHLOMO LEE ABRAHMOV

443 S. SAN PEDRO ST. SUITE 608

LOS ANGELES CA. 90013

(213) 891-0653

May 3, 1992

MR. WESTON NAEF

DIRECTOR

DEPARTMENT OF PHOTOGRAPHS

THE J. P. GETTY MUSEUM

401 WTLSHIRE BLVD

SANTA MONICA CA. 90401

DEAR WESTON NAEF

Recently I spoke with Lucien Treillard in Paris in regard to Boiffard photographs,

84.xm.1000.3 and 84.xm.1000.4 (the mask pictures).

Even though the location of the negatives is unknown at the present, Denise

Boiffard is in possession of the proofs for the complete series of mask pictures.

She was also the source for the mask prints that were purchased by the Musee National .-.

D" art Moderne, Paris. • .

Mr. Treillard is of the opinion that selling these pictures to Arnold Crane, was a gag of

Man Ray. Mr. Treillard was present in Man Ray studio, when Arnold. Crane made his

selections. It is interesting to note that Man Ray left Boiffard in charge of his studio

for long periods of time. During these periods Boiffard was producing all of Man Ray

work, as well as his own - he was not being paid while Man Ray was away. This might

explain the Seabrook necklace visible in the picture 84.xm.1000.4 and the Seabrook name

written on both photographs.

After a very careful stylistic analysis, and considering the preceding background it is my

opinion that the pictures are Boiffard unique creations. I think that attributing the

pictures to Man Ray should be avoided. (I saw such attribution in APERTURE Masters of

Photography, 1988.)

I hope that my research would be of value to the Department of Photographs.

WITH BEST OF WISHES

SHLOMO LEE ABRAHMOV