
Bouche-évier
1964
Marcel Duchamp's "Bouche-évier" from 1964 is a compelling bronze casting, measuring 6.3 cm in diameter, which reifies one of his most iconic conceptual gestures. This small, circular sculpture, resembling a common sink drain, features a central indentation surrounded by six raised, polished spheres, arranged within a textured, concentric ring. It embodies Duchamp's revolutionary readymade philosophy, translating an everyday industrial object into a profound artistic statement. Unlike his earlier, singular readymades, which were often found objects, this work is a meticulously crafted multiple, created late in his career, offering a tangible legacy for his groundbreaking ideas. The transformation of a utilitarian object like a sink drain into a bronze sculpture elevates its status, forcing a reconsideration of aesthetic value and artistic intention. By casting this industrial form in a traditional, enduring art material, Duchamp deliberately subverts conventional notions of beauty and craftsmanship, creating a paradox that questions the very definition of art. This later series of multiples, which included "Bouche-évier," allowed Duchamp to revisit and solidify the philosophical underpinnings of his earlier, ephemeral works. These editions are not mere reproductions; they are deliberate artistic statements, extending his critique of originality and the art market, while making his influential concepts accessible to a wider audience of discerning collectors. Owning a piece like "Bouche-évier" means possessing a direct link to the intellectual revolution Duchamp instigated, a work that continues to challenge and redefine the boundaries of artistic practice.
- Medium
- Multiple, bronze casting with plexiglass support
🔨 Auction Lot
Martini Studio d'Arte: Modern & Contemporary Art (December 2018)
December 20, 2018
Estimate: €7,000 to €8,000
Lot 4
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