1958/1970s
gelatin silver print, 40.5 × 30.5 cm,
signed on label on the reverse
most probably the only surviving print

For years, Rolke has been exploring in his photography the subject of women. He has taken both fashion pictures during staged sessions in a studio or on the streets, and documented women-related events, including Miss Poland beauty contests. This photograph was taken during the 1958 competition, which was notorious for the numerous controversies it caused. Rumours circulated that the vote had been manipulated, that it came to blows during the final gala, while after the contest, news spread that one of the finalists had been murdered.