Peggy Guggenheim

Peggy Guggenheim (1898-1979) came from a wealthy American family, renowned for their love of art. She was a central figure in the Paris art world from 1922 onwards. Her circle of friends included writers and avant-gardeAvant-gardeOriginally a French term, avant-garde usually refers to a young generation of artists in the forefront, experimenting with new forms and protesting against existing rules and traditions. These involve artistic ideas, but often also social standpoints. Those in the vanguard throw the old principles overboard, try out new paths and explore areas previously unknown. Since the start of modern art in the mid-19th century there has always been a succession of new avant-gardes, new generations of artists protesting against their predecessors. Once a group of avant-garde artists becomes accepted they are no longer considered avant-garde. Often, there is another group that takes over the mantle of vanguard movement. Today, the term avant-garde is also used for new movements in other media, including film, dance and theatre. artists and she collected some of their most important works. The experimental artist Man Ray - another American abroad - was a member of Guggenheim's circle. He took a series of photographs of her in 1924. This portrait of her, wearing an extravagant gown and head-dress, clearly reveals her as an artistic trend-setter. The aesthetic quality of the photo itself is heightened by the dark shadows on the wall.