Joseph Beuys

Langhaus (Vitrine)

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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.

Updated before 2020

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  • artist:
    Joseph Beuys (1921 - 1986) German
  • title:
    Langhaus (Vitrine)
  • date created:
    1953/62
  • materials:
    Wood, glass, felt, oil paint and paper
  • measurements:
    183.00 x 154.50 x 64.00 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:
    AR00087
  • gallery:
This artwork is part of Artist Rooms
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Joseph Beuys

Joseph Beuys