Jean-Paul Goude, Grace Jones (Peat Hat)
Photograph / Gelatin silver print • Jean-Paul Goude (b. 1940); Model: Grace Jones
Style & Movement
Contemporary Photography / Post-Modern / Fashion & Pop Culture Surrealism
Medium & Technique
Black and white photography utilizing high-contrast lighting (chiaroscuro) and likely retouching or montage techniques typical of Goude's 'French Correction' era.
Creation Period
Circa 1978-1982
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 20 inches (standard gallery size); Portrait format
Subject Description
A close-up portrait of model and singer Grace Jones wearing a military-style peak hat. She is smoking a cigarette, with her eyes heavily shadowed by the brim of the hat. The composition focuses on gender fluid and hyper-stylized aesthetics, transforming the subject into a graphic icon.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (based on visual inspection); the image appears clear but the paper may show minor signs of edge wear near the matting.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 - $8,000 (depending on edition number and signature)
Auction Estimate
$2,500 - $6,000
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a commercial gallery specializing in fashion photography or a high-end estate. Similar prints were distributed as limited editions or promotional material for Jones's album cycles.
Art Historical Significance
This image is a seminal piece of late 20th-century pop iconography. It represents the collaborative work between Goude and Jones that redefined black female identity in the media through a lens of 'Constructed Identity' and minimalism.
Notable Features
The use of extreme contrast creates a mask-like effect on the face, which became a signature of the Goude/Jones creative partnership. The absence of eyes visible under the hat adds a sense of mystery and dehumanization characteristic of Goude's 'statuesque' aesthetic.
Condition Issues
Possible silver mirroring in dark areas (common in gelatin silver prints), light yellowing of the mat board, and potential UV fading if not kept behind conservation glass.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend archival matting with acid-free materials and mounting behind museum-grade UV-filtering glass. Maintain stable temperature and low humidity.