Author(s): Arthur Lubow

Biography & Memoir

Lee Miller traveled to Paris in 1929 in search of Man Ray. But when she called at his studio at 31 bis rue Campagne-Première, the concierge informed her that hélas, the man she sought had just departed for his summer holiday. What to do? She retreated to a nearby bar, the Bateau Ivre, that was known to be favored by Man Ray, and sat upstairs drinking with the sympathetic Russian proprietor. All of a sudden he said, "Why, there's Man Ray." Coming up the iron spiral staircase she saw a head, then a chest, and finally the entire man. The patron introduced him, and Man Ray asked her, "What is your name?" "My name is Lee Miller, and I'm your new student." "I don't have students," he replied. What is more, he told her, he was about to leave for Biarritz. "So am I," she said. Thus began the most intense romantic and professional relationship of Man Ray's life. Book jacket.