The Measure of a Man is a mixed media assemblage featuring a Leni Riefenstahl photogravure titled, “The Living Statue,” that she created to help promote the 1936 summer Olympics in Berlin. The pose and composition are modeled after “The Myron Discus Thrower.” The photograph of the young Russian athlete was shot on location in Greece in advance of the infamous Olympic games that summer. It is said that Riefenstahl took the Russian as a lover after photographing him. The photogravure is paired with a vintage boxwood and brass Stanley caliper and etched glass.

23.25 x 17.25 inches. Private collection.