Akt mit Spiegel - A naked woman standing in front of a mirror

Alice Prin, also known as Kiki de Montparnasse, was a French artist, model, nightclub singer, actress and painter. She was born on 2 October 1901 in Châtillon-sur-Seine, France, and died on 23 April 1953 in Paris. Kiki de Montparnasse became a prominent figure in the bohemian and avant-garde art scenes of Paris in the 1920s. She gained recognition as a model for many artists of the time, including Chaïm Soutine, Moise Kisling and Tsuguharu Foujita. Her distinctive and daring appearance, combined with her free-spirited personality, made her an iconic figure in the Montparnasse district, which was a hub for artists, writers and intellectuals. In addition to her modelling career, Kiki was a singer and actress on the Parisian cabaret scene. She was a muse and inspiration for many avant-garde artists associated with the Dada and Surrealist movements. Kiki de Montparnasse also dabbled in painting, creating her own works that often reflected the bohemian lifestyle of the time. Despite her contributions to the art world and her influence on the Parisian cultural scene of the 1920s, Kiki de Montparnasse faced personal and financial difficulties in later years. She died in relative obscurity at the age of 51, but her legacy as a symbol of the vibrant and unconventional spirit of 1920s Montparnasse endures.

Julian Mandel was a pseudonymous photographer best known for his work in the early 20th century. Active during the Art Deco era, he is best known for his contributions to erotic and nude photography. Mandel's photographs often featured stylised and artistic compositions, depicting the human form in a way that was both sensual and sophisticated. Not much is known about Mandel's private life, as he maintained a degree of anonymity throughout his career. The use of pseudonyms was common in the field of erotic photography at the time, due to social norms and legal restrictions surrounding such content. Julian Mandel's work has been recognised for its artistic merit and has been collected and exhibited in various art collections and exhibitions. Despite the challenges and controversy associated with the genre of erotic photography, Mandel's images are often considered aesthetically pleasing and demonstrate a mastery of composition and lighting techniques.