Man Ray

Cadeau

About this artwork

Born in Philadelphia to Russian immigrants, Man Ray’s original name was Emmanuel Radnitzky. The family ‘Americanised’ their surname to Ray in 1912. Soon after, the artist also shortened his first name. By the simple addition of nails, Man Ray completely subverted the purpose of the iron, to produce one of the most visually arresting of all Dada sculptures. He made this work in 1921 for his first show in Paris. He gave the first version of this work to Eric Satie, the French composer and pianist. The original was lost: the work shown is a variant produced in a limited edition in 1963.

Updated before 2020

  • artist:
    Man Ray (1890 - 1976) American
  • title:
    Cadeau
  • date created:
    Unknown
  • materials:
    Flat iron with 14 tacks glued to it (with wood stand and armature added later)
  • measurements:
    17.80 x 9.40 x 12.60 cm
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Long Loan, The Penrose Collection
  • accession number:
    GML 877
  • gallery:
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Man Ray

Man Ray