Signed and editioned 5/10 in pencil, verso.
Bunny Yeager (American, 1929-2014) Bettie Page with Cheetah, 1954 Gelatin silver print, printed later 10-1/4 x 10 inches (26.0 x 25.4 cm) (image) 14 x 11 inches (sheet) Signed and editioned 5/10 in pencil, verso. From the collection of Grapefruit Moon Gallery The "Jungle Bettie" photoshoot is one of the most iconic collaborations between Bettie Page, the famous 1950s pin-up model, and Bunny Yeager, the photographer who helped define Bettie's sultry yet playful image. This shoot took place at the Miami attraction Africa USA in 1954, with Bunny Yeager capturing Bettie in a wild, jungle-like setting that would become one of her signature looks. For the "Jungle Bettie" shoot, Bettie Page posed in a variety of jungle-themed outfits, including a leopard-print bikini and other animal-print accessories. These outfits highlighted her curvaceous figure and were both glamorous and exotic. The setting featured natural elements, like palm trees, greenery, and faux jungle props, giving the photos a wild, untamed atmosphere. Bettie Page's poses in this shoot were playful yet seductive, showcasing her ability to combine innocence with sensuality. She crouched, climbed, and stretched out on the ground, giving a sense of a wild jungle creature. The images also featured Bettie's signature bangs and jet-black hair, which contrasted sharply with the nature-themed backdrop. Bunny Yeager's photography style was groundbreaking in how she presented Bettie Page. Unlike many photographers of the era, Yeager, as a former model herself, had an intimate understanding of how to highlight a woman’s beauty while maintaining a sense of agency and empowerment. The "Jungle Bettie" photos reflect this balance of strong femininity and allure. This shoot became one of Bettie Page's most memorable series and contributed to her lasting legacy as the quintessential pin-up queen of her era. The photos are playful, exotic, and timeless, capturing the spirit of 1950s pin-up culture with a unique and fresh perspective. Toward the end of her life, Bunny Yeager found the critical acclaim that had overlooked her for much of her career, with celebrated exhibitions at galleries in Florida and beyond, and a museum exhibition at the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, PA. For these, Yeager reapproached her earlier work as works of fine art, creating museum quality exhibition sized prints such as this iconic image. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Overall excellent condition. A few minor bumps to the corners and slight edge chipping. Sheet is loose, not framed.
