XXe Siècle 1970

Created in 1970 by the celebrated artist Man Ray, this original exhibition poster was issued for an exhibition held at the Galerie XXe Siècle, located at 14 rue des Canettes in Paris, from 15 May to 15 June 1970. Combining elegant simplicity with the unmistakable visual language of one of the leading figures of modern art, the poster stands as a refined example of late twentieth-century exhibition design.

The composition features a delicate linear portrait of a female figure rendered in white against a deep blue background. Crowned with flowers and holding a radiant bloom, the figure appears both ethereal and timeless. The economy of line recalls Man Ray’s celebrated drawings and graphic works, where a few carefully placed contours are sufficient to create an image of remarkable elegance and poetic presence. The artist’s signature prominently anchors the lower part of the composition, reinforcing the poster’s identity as both an advertisement and a work of art in its own right.

Man Ray (1890–1976) was one of the most influential artists of the twentieth century. Born in Philadelphia and active in both New York and Paris, he became a central figure of the Dada and Surrealist movements. Although best known for his groundbreaking photography and experimental “rayographs,” his artistic practice encompassed painting, drawing, film, sculpture, and graphic design. Throughout his career, he continually challenged conventional artistic boundaries, becoming one of the defining innovators of modern visual culture.

The Galerie XXe Siècle, founded by the influential art critic and publisher Gualtieri di San Lazzaro, played a crucial role in promoting modern and avant-garde art in post-war Paris. Through exhibitions, publications, and collaborations with leading artists, the gallery became a major center for contemporary artistic exchange. Exhibitions devoted to artists of Man Ray’s stature attracted collectors, critics, and enthusiasts from across Europe and beyond.

The poster reflects the artist’s lifelong fascination with beauty, symbolism, and transformation. The floral motif and stylized female figure evoke themes frequently encountered throughout his oeuvre, where reality and imagination merge into a dreamlike visual universe. Unlike the more provocative Surrealist works for which he is famous, this composition displays a quieter and more lyrical sensibility, emphasizing grace and refinement.

Printed during the final decade of Man Ray’s life, the poster also serves as a testament to his enduring influence on modern art. By 1970, he was already recognized internationally as one of the great pioneers of twentieth-century artistic experimentation, and exhibitions of his work were celebrated events within the contemporary art world.

Today, original exhibition posters by Man Ray are highly sought after by collectors of modern art, Surrealism, and twentieth-century graphic design. Combining artistic significance, elegant design, and historical importance, this poster offers a compelling example of how exhibition graphics could become works of art in their own right while documenting an important moment in the career of one of the twentieth century’s most influential artists.

Original Poster

Exhibition - Surrealism

Printed by Mourlot

Good condition, small tears in the margins