Joseph Beuys

Tisch mit Aggregat [Table with Accumulator]

About this artwork

Sitting on this simple wooden table is an accumulator, a device for storing energy. The wires which attach it to two lumps of clay show that it is powered by the earth. Energy was one of the central themes in Beuys's work, often represented by the motif of the battery. Pieces of scientific apparatus appear in Beuys's work from the 1950s onwards and some of his sculptures also use working machinery. Here, science, nature and art are shown working together to create and store energy.

Updated before 2020

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  • artist:
    Joseph Beuys (1921 - 1986) German
  • title:
    Tisch mit Aggregat [Table with Accumulator]
  • date created:
    1958 - 1985
  • materials:
    Wood, accumulator, clay and wire
  • measurements:
    98.50 x 58.00 x 56.50 cm
  • object type:
  • 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 Art Fund, 2008
  • accession number:
    AR00603
  • gallery:
This artwork is part of Artist Rooms
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Joseph Beuys

Joseph Beuys