Dora Maar 1941

Rogi André created this gelatin silver print of Dora Maar sometime in the 1930s. It’s a striking portrait, but it raises some questions about the complex social dynamics within the artistic circles of Paris at that time. André, a woman artist herself, captures Maar with a direct gaze and an understated elegance. Maar was, of course, a photographer and painter in her own right, but she is often remembered for her relationship with Picasso. This photograph then becomes more than just a portrait, it speaks to the challenges women faced in gaining recognition in artistic fields dominated by men. To fully understand the image, we need to delve into the archives, explore the exhibition histories of the time, and consider the critical reception of both André's and Maar's work. By doing so, we can appreciate the social and institutional forces that shaped their careers and influenced the way their art was perceived.