Sphinx: The Life and Art of Leonor Fini - Tapa dura

Talented, glamorous and ambitious, Leonor Fini (1907–1996) was one of the most influential female artists of the mid-20th century. This is the first comprehensive look at her life and art. Fini’s figures – sphinxes, felines, nymphs, priestesses, nudes – are bold proclamations of female sexuality that convey a powerful feminine subconscious. Also renowned for her theatrical set design, costumes and posters, the artist developed close relationships with other avant-garde Surrealists, including Andre Breton, Salvador Dalí, Man Ray and Max Ernst, who became her lover. Sphinx is a fascinating portrait of a magnetic woman who lived her life with panache and elegance, deftly wrapping drama into her art.

Peter Webb, a British art historian, has written widely on 20th century British, American and European Surrealism and erotic art and photography.