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Works of Art, 1911-1968, undated

 Sub-Series

Scope and Contents

Photographs of works of art primarily by Marcel Duchamp and his brother, Jacques Villon, as well as a handful of other artists. Most of the photographs are annotated on the verso by Duchamp, with brief descriptive information about the work. In the case of many of the images of his own works, it appears as though Duchamp may have used the photograph for publication or reproduction purposes.

The subseries includes significant and rare prints of Duchamp's works photographed in situ. For example, there is a photograph taken before 1915 showing the "Glider Containing Watermill" in a studio, with Jacques Villon looking through it. There are also three views of "To be Looked at. . ." in different milieus and conditions, including a view of it on the balcony of his Buenos Aires apartment. A stereograph card made from Man Ray photographs of the "Rotary Glass Plates" in Duchamp's studio is also included. In addition, the subseries includes two little known "works" by Duchamp, an "Armory Show" postcard addressed to Phillip Bruno with a hand drawn postal stamp and marked 'pas encore ne,' and a brown bag inscribed with numbers and signed by Duchamp. There are also several photographs of destroyed works by Duchamp.

Dates

  • 1911-1968, undated

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

Predominantly in English with some material in French.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research. David Sylvester's typescript for the article "Bicycle Parts" can only be consulted with permission of the author's estate.

Extent

From the Collection: 18 linear feet

Arrangement

Alphabetical by artist's name and then by title of work. When identified, the name of the photographer is listed following the folder title.

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Library and Archives Repository

Contact:
Philadelphia Museum of Art
PO Box 7646
Philadelphia PA 19101-7646 United States