Bettina Rheims

BETTINA RHEIMS (France, 1952).
"The Book of Olga.
Copy 0534/1000.
Limited Collector's Edition of 1000 copies signed by Bettina Rheims.
Hardcover with slipcase.
Edited by Taschen, XXL edition.
Multilingual (German, French, English).
Out of print edition.
Measurements: 55 x 35 cm (with packaging).

French photographer Bettina Rheims' explicit portraits of Olga Rodionova were commissioned by the oligarch and billionaire husband of this glamorous Moscow beauty. From an image laden with sumptuous eroticism taken at Rheims' country home to a sadomasochistic mise-en-scène, "The Book of Olga" brings together more than 100 images from Olga's portfolio that reflect a sophisticated world woven with threads of power, sexuality, fantasy and intrigue.

The protagonist is Olga Rodionov, femme fatale of the most exclusive circles of Moscow society. Her husband, a Russian multimillionaire who adores her, did not hesitate for a moment to ask photographer Bettina Rheims to take special portraits of his beautiful wife nude -something unusual for the French artist-. Rheims was immediately captivated by Olga and her unique aura, and soon began to imagine the aesthetics she wanted to give to the reportage without falling into clichés close to porn aesthetics. The first session took place in the photographer's studio; her husband was so satisfied that he immediately suggested making a book with Olga as the protagonist. A second session was done in black and white, sadomasochism was the common thread, with Olga, and accompanied by other men (practicing perverse games). For the third one the inspiration was sought in Marie Antoinette. And it was done entirely in the studio.

The Book of Olga is a paradigm of Bettina Rheims' talent and style, and represents without a doubt one of her greatest successes. With over a hundred images and an introduction by Catherine Millet, this book is both a love song and a precedent-setting artistic lesson.

French artist Bettina Rheims is the author of numerous photographic series that have been exhibited worldwide. Her books include Female Trouble (1989), Modern Lovers (1990), Chambre Close (1994), I.N.R.I. (1998), Shanghai (2003), More Trouble (2004), Héroïnes (2007), The Book of Olga (2008, for TASCHEN), Rose, c'est Paris (2010, for TASCHEN) and Gender Studies (2014).