Agostini, Race Driver

Jesse Alexander

1994

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A large-scale color photograph from a series commonly referred to as the "History Pictures," in which the artist created numerous images modeled on Renaissance-era European portrait painting. Sherman uses herself as the model in these pictures. Instead of directly quoting any one work or artist, in the "History Pictures" Sherman recreates the historical postures, types and trappings of the genre. "Untitled #213" is particularly reminiscent of the work of German painter Hans Holbein; there are marked similarities between "Untitled #213" and Holbein's portrait of Thomas More. Sherman achieves her imitations of these earlier portraits through playacting, costume, make-up, prosthetics, set decorations and lighting. The overall effect of "Untitled #213" is "realistic," except that Sherman has accentuated the fakeness of the figure's false scalp with attached hair and eyebrows. The work is in an original frame created to the artist's specifications.
Untitled, from Ward 81, Mary Ellen Mark, gelatin silver print
Clown face vessel form
Untitled (Truck), Jimmy Lee Sudduth, paint and mud on wood board