Langhaus (Vitrine)
About this artwork
'Langhaus' can be variously translated as 'nave' such as one finds in a church, or 'longhouse', such as the dwelling house for one or several families found in early north European regions or, still today, in tribal communities in the Amazon region or the South Seas. The block of wood has a small piece of felt attached to the top, suggesting, according to Beuys's usual iconography, the idea of protection, a connotation strengthened by the length of felt also lying in the vitrine. The walking stick lying alongside the felt is a traditional Beuysian symbol for leadership and protection, much as a shepherd looks after his flock.
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title:Langhaus (Vitrine)
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accession number:AR00087
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artist:
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gallery:
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object type:
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materials:Wood, glass, felt, oil paint and paper
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date created:1953 / 1962
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measurements:183.00 x 154.50 x 64.00 cm
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credit line:ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and the Art Fund 2008
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copyright:© DACS 2018.

Joseph Beuys
Joseph Beuys
German artist Beuys believed that art was integral to everyday life. His own art was shaped by an experience early in his life. As a Luftwaffe pilot during the war, Beuys was shot down over the Crimea and was saved by nomadic Tartars. Barely alive, he was wrapped in felt…