Marcel Duchamp

Coin de chasteté [Wedge of Chastity]

About this artwork

The original version of Wedge of Chastity was made in 1954, from plaster and dental plastic, so that the work looks like a tooth set in gum. Eight bronze casts were made in 1963; this cast was made especially for Duchamp. The piece has erotic connotations, as there are 'male' and 'female' parts which fit snugly together. Duchamp originally made the piece as a gift for his wife Teeny. He later explained: 'It was my wedding present to her... We usually take it with us, like a wedding ring.'

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
  • title:
    Coin de chasteté [Wedge of Chastity]
  • date created:
    1954/63
  • materials:
    Bronze and dental plastic
  • measurements:
    5.50 x 8.50 x 4.20 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Bequeathed by Gabrielle Keiller 1995
  • accession number:
    GMA 3968
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • glossary:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
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Marcel Duchamp

Marcel Duchamp