It
was in 1935 that she produced the series of portraits
of society ladies in classical costumes, now universally
known as 'The Goddesses', which was to establish her,
once and for all, as a creative artist of the first
order. The initial inspiration for these images came
from a society charity ball with an Olympian theme,
which guests attended in a bewildering array of costumes
as gods and goddesses, nymphs, fauns and other figures
from classical mythology. Though Madame Yevonde did
not attend herself, she would clearly have heard all
about it from clients who were there, and others who
visited her studio for a sitting in their extravagant
costumes. This gave Madame Yevonde the idea of creating
an entire series of images of Goddesses and other mythological
figures, each one of them embodying a specific attribute
to which she felt the women of her day could relate.
Having first selected the attributes she wished to personify,
she then set about choosing the society ladies she thought
best qualified to portray them. Once the 'cast' was
finalised, she proceeded to organise the costumes, making
selective use of costumes worn to the ball, suitably
modified without fear or favour in the interests of
the characterisation. Poses were discussed and rehearsed,
backgrounds designed, and suitable props located, and
bought or hired. The whole project was carried off with
the utmost panache and the resulting exhibition, held
at her Berkeley Square studio in July, 1935 was an instant
success with both the sitters and the visitors who flocked
to the studio to see it. As a vehicle for conveying
the expressive power of the new medium, it was quite
unparalleled, and it has undoubtedly secured the artist's
place in the history of fine art photography for all
time.
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