Beauty and the Beast
16 works
Michel Comte Gisele Bundchen, Cannes II For Sale
Michel Comte
Gisele Bundchen, Cannes II, 1999
Oversized chromogenic print
26 x 22 inches - edition of 20 35 x 29 inches - edition of 7 47 x 59 inches - edition of 3 87 x 69 inches - edition of 1
About this work
In the world of self-taught photographer Michel Comte, each image is a culmination, a precise moment seized amidst a crescendo of anticipation. His subjects, often models and celebrities, are captured in a state of heightened drama, hinting at intricate narratives waiting to unfold. Women's nude forms frequently grace his lens, adding layers of complexity to his already charged compositions. One of Comte's most renowned works features supermodel Giselle Bündchen in a 1999 portrait. With a scowl etched on her face, she takes a drag from a cigarette, her naked torso veiled only by the shielding of her arms. The remnants of smeared eye makeup and decadent diamond jewelry adorn her, creating a stark contrast against her raw vulnerability. Yet, amidst the intensity of his portraits, Comte's lens also captures the sublime beauty of nature. Ethereal landscapes unfold, where clouds dissolve into the atmosphere and rays of light illuminate patches of vivid blue sky. It's within these juxtapositions — the raw humanity against the backdrop of the transcendent — that Comte's artistry truly shines.
Price on Application
Edition & Provenance
- Year
- 1999
- Medium
- Oversized chromogenic print
More from this series
More series by Michel Comte
About the Gisele Series
Explore Michel Comte's iconic Gisele series, a compelling collection of photography featuring supermodel Gisele Bündchen. This distinguished body of work showcases Comte's mastery of portrait photography and his ability to capture the essence of one of fashion's most recognizable figures. The series spans multiple contexts—from high-fashion editorials shot for Vogue Italia to candid moments at Cannes and intimate studio portraits. Each photograph demonstrates Comte's signature technical precision and artistic vision, blending commercial fashion photography with fine art sensibility.
Created during a pivotal moment in both Bündchen's career and contemporary fashion photography, the Gisele series represents a significant documentation of early 2000s luxury imagery. Comte's distinctive approach to lighting, composition, and psychological depth elevates these works beyond standard editorial photography, making them highly sought-after by collectors of contemporary fine art and fashion photography.
The series remains relevant for serious collectors investing in iconic fashion imagery and museum-quality portraiture. Enquire for availability and pricing information on individual works from this important collection.
About Michel Comte
Michel Comte's work commands a robust presence in the international auction market, affirming his status as a master of contemporary photography. His limited edition prints, particularly from his influential fashion and portraiture archives, are regularly featured in sales at Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips.