![© Man Ray (aka Emmanuel Radnitzky), Nov. 1922, Marcel Proust on His Deathbed
“It comes so soon, the moment when there is nothing left to wait for.” (Marcel Proust)
The tradition of photographing people on their deathbed (often days after the death) was common in the 19th and early 20th centuries. What do you think of this practice? Creepy? Or nice remembrance? (share your opinion on The Getty Museum’s Facebook page)
Joseph Babinski was called in to attend Marcel Proust, and was present when the prince of the subjective died in his cork-lined bedroom on Nov. 18, 1922. The final scenes have been described in a number of biographies. This account comes from William Carter. It is Babinski who tells the truth to the family at the bitter end. Inured to sentiment, focused on evidence, he was the only one present who was not in denial:
A short time later Robert [Proust’s brother, also a doctor] sent for Drs. Bize and Babinski. At approximately four o’clock, the three doctors conferred in the bedroom while Celeste listened, fearful that Proust heard everything. Robert suggested an intravenous injection of camphor, but Babinski said: “No, my dear Robert. Don’t make him suffer. There is no point.” Then Bize left. When Celeste showed Dr. Babinski to the door, she made a desperate plea: “Professor, you are going to save him, aren’t you?” Babinski took her hands in his and looked into her eyes: “Madame, I know all you have done for him. You must be brave. It is all over.” (from “William Carter - Marcel Proust: A Life”)
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© Man Ray (aka Emmanuel Radnitzky), Nov. 1922, Marcel Proust on His Deathbed
“It comes so soon, the moment when there is nothing left to wait for.” (Marcel Proust)
The tradition of photographing people on their deathbed (often days after the death) was common in the 19th and early 20th centuries. What do you think of this practice? Creepy? Or nice remembrance? (share your opinion on The Getty Museum’s Facebook page)
Joseph Babinski was called in to attend Marcel Proust, and was present when the prince of the subjective died in his cork-lined bedroom on Nov. 18, 1922. The final scenes have been described in a number of biographies. This account comes from William Carter. It is Babinski who tells the truth to the family at the bitter end. Inured to sentiment, focused on evidence, he was the only one present who was not in denial:
A short time later Robert [Proust’s brother, also a doctor] sent for Drs. Bize and Babinski. At approximately four o’clock, the three doctors conferred in the bedroom while Celeste listened, fearful that Proust heard everything. Robert suggested an intravenous injection of camphor, but Babinski said: “No, my dear Robert. Don’t make him suffer. There is no point.” Then Bize left. When Celeste showed Dr. Babinski to the door, she made a desperate plea: “Professor, you are going to save him, aren’t you?” Babinski took her hands in his and looked into her eyes: “Madame, I know all you have done for him. You must be brave. It is all over.” (from “William Carter - Marcel Proust: A Life”)
© Man Ray (aka Emmanuel Radnitzky), 1922, Gertrude Stein posing for Jo Davidson
Man Ray made this photograph most likely on assignment for the magazine Vanity Fair, which ran the image in a story about Stein and Jo Davidson in February 1923. (read more)
“My approach to my subjects was very simple. I never had them pose, we just talked about everything in the world.” (Jo Davidson)
© Man Ray (aka Emmanuel Radnitzky), 1931, Electricite
“The tricks of today are the truths of tomorrow.” (Man Ray)
