Alberto Giacometti

Objet désagréable à jeter [Disagreeable Object to be Thrown away]

About this artwork

This wooden object is designed to be picked up and played with, and can stand in several different positions. It is satisfying to hold, but is also sinister and possibly offensive. Although it looks as if it has been built for a purpose (possibly sexual), the artist has left this for the viewer to decide. It is similar in shape to a type of stool made in Western Africa, although one of the 'legs' is fixed to the top of the 'seat.' Giacometti made this piece while working with the surrealist group.

Updated before 2020

see media
  • artist:
    Alberto Giacometti (1901 - 1966) Swiss
  • title:
    Objet désagréable à jeter [Disagreeable Object to be Thrown away]
  • date created:
    1931
  • materials:
    Wood
  • measurements:
    19.60 x 31.00 x 29.00 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 1990
  • accession number:
    GMA 3547
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Alberto Giacometti

Alberto Giacometti