Nov 19, 2025 11:00 EST
The Evelyn D. Farland Collection
Man Ray
Estate / Collection: The Evelyn D. Farland Collection
French/American, 1890-1976
This is the Thesis, 1963
Signed Man Ray, titled This is the Thesis and dated New York 1963 at the rim
Cigarette butts, ashes, matches and torn typescript in a glass jar
Height: 8 inches (20.3 cm)
Diameter: 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm)
Provenance:
Mr. and Mrs. Leo and Evelyn D. Farland, New York (a gift of the artist)
Thence by descent to the estate
Literature:
Pierre Bourgeade, Bonsoir Man Ray, Paris, 1972, p. 16-17, discussed
Executed in New York in 1963, when Man Ray was staying with his friends Leo and Evelyn Farland to attend his exhibition held at Cordier & Ekstrom gallery. He received by post from a New York student a 12-page questionnaire that not only asked a multitude of questions on his life and art, but also his views on literature and the arts in the past forty years. Man Ray was furious, having recently published the same year his comprehensive autobiography, and crumpled the typescript sheets of paper and bundled them into a glass jar, filling it with cigarette butts and ash. He titled this new object “This is the Thesis” and gifted this unique object to his hosts.
Andrew Strauss and Timothy Baum of the Man Ray Expertise Committee have confirmed the authenticity of this work under reference 00591-O-2025 and that this work will be included in the Catalogue of Objects & Sculpture of Man Ray, currently in preparation.
$25,000 - $35,000
Estate / Collection: The Evelyn D. Farland Collection
French/American, 1890-1976
This is the Thesis, 1963
Signed Man Ray, titled This is the Thesis and dated New York 1963 at the rim
Cigarette butts, ashes, matches and torn typescript in a glass jar
Height: 8 inches (20.3 cm)
Diameter: 3 1/2 inches (8.9 cm)
Provenance:
Mr. and Mrs. Leo and Evelyn D. Farland, New York (a gift of the artist)
Thence by descent to the estate
Literature:
Pierre Bourgeade, Bonsoir Man Ray, Paris, 1972, p. 16-17, discussed
Executed in New York in 1963, when Man Ray was staying with his friends Leo and Evelyn Farland to attend his exhibition held at Cordier & Ekstrom gallery. He received by post from a New York student a 12-page questionnaire that not only asked a multitude of questions on his life and art, but also his views on literature and the arts in the past forty years. Man Ray was furious, having recently published the same year his comprehensive autobiography, and crumpled the typescript sheets of paper and bundled them into a glass jar, filling it with cigarette butts and ash. He titled this new object “This is the Thesis” and gifted this unique object to his hosts.
Andrew Strauss and Timothy Baum of the Man Ray Expertise Committee have confirmed the authenticity of this work under reference 00591-O-2025 and that this work will be included in the Catalogue of Objects & Sculpture of Man Ray, currently in preparation.
Overall in great condition. All the internal elements remain intact. The lid is glued shut. Ligth dusting on the surface.
Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact and our Organization shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. Please contact the specialist department to request further information or additional images that may be available.
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Auction: The Evelyn D. Farland Collection, Nov 19, 2025
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Auction of The Evelyn D. Farland Collection on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 11am
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Featuring Important Works by Alexander Calder, David Hockney, Man Ray, Andy Warhol, Tom Wesselmann & Many More
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Pioneered the Art Poster in America as Founder of Poster Originals, Ltd.
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle is honored to auction The Evelyn D. Farland Collection on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 11am. This important and extensive group of Modern and Contemporary artworks was assembled by a discerning collector, publisher and arts advocate whose influence helped reshape the role of the art poster in America. As a founder of Poster Originals, Ltd., Evelyn Farland expanded public access to visual culture while cultivating lasting relationships with major artists, influential galleries and distinguished institutions. Her collection, built over several decades, is a testament to her sophisticated connoisseurship and deep engagement with the New York art world.
Evelyn Farland’s eclectic collection of art pioneers such as Andy Warhol, Man Ray, Alexander Calder and Sonia Delaunay challenges conventional perspectives, often infusing it with humor, irony, and a sense of joy. By bringing together diverse artists who were often personal friends, the collection creates a dialogue across mediums and movements—highlighting a collective celebration of avant garde. This fusion invites viewers not only to appreciate each piece on its own terms but also to explore the broader artistic conversation about the power of visual experimentation.
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