Costume for the Execution of the Testament of the Marquis de Sade 1950

This black and white photograph titled *Costume for the Execution of the Testament of the Marquis de Sade* by Jean Benoit, a French artist, is a haunting depiction of a person wearing a costume that evokes a sense of otherworldly presence. Created in 1950, the costume is a theatrical piece that incorporates elements of the grotesque and the macabre. The image shows the wearer in a full-length costume, with a mask resembling a monstrous creature with gaping jaws. The costume is elaborately detailed, with flowing wings that appear to be made of feathers or fabric, and a large oval-shaped object hanging from the front of the wearer's torso. The overall effect is unsettling, suggesting a blend of fear and fascination.