Arcana:

(RHEIMS, BETTINA). Rheims, Bettina & Olga Rodionova. Foreword by Catherine Millet. Koln, GERMANY: Benedikt Taschen Verlag, 2008. First Edition 1/1000 Deluxe. Elephant Folio. Cloth in a Clamshell Box. Photography Monograph. As New/No Jacket - As Issued. 154pp, profusely illustrated in color and b&w. Text in English, French and German. "Olga Rodionova is a well-known beauty who moves in Moscow's fashion and jet set circles. When her adoring husband - a powerful Russian millionaire - sought to have special portraits made of his wife, he asked none other than Bettina Rheims. Rheims was captivated by Olga's unique aura and felt excited by the challenge of finding aesthetic ways of doing the portraits so that they didn't feel like run of the mill pornography. The first shoot took place in Rheims' country home and Olga's husband was so pleased with the images that he suggested they produce a book with Olga as the star. A second shoot followed, in black and white with a sado-masochistic decor and other men and women playing slightly perverse sex games with Olga. A third, Marie-Antoinette-inspired shoot took place entirely in the studio. Rheims succeeded in finding a variety of ways to depict one subject with a continuous freshness and intrigue; "The Book of Olga" is a compelling depiction of female sexuality, allure, desire, intrigue and fantasy. With over one hundred images and an introduction by French author Catherine Millet, this unique book is both a love song and a bold artistic statement". A brand new, pristine example of the 2008 first printing of the Taschen Collector's Edition limited to one thousand copies NUMBERED (0087) AND BOLDLY SIGNED "Bettina Rheims" in the publisher's clamshell box and unopened printed cardboard shipping carton, as issued. 3-8365-0-760-9 Inventory Number: 025653