About this artwork

Many of Beuys's 'actions' and sculptures used sound in some way. Sound is included in this relief through the use of a record. On top of the record is a hare's jawbone, the hare being an animal which recurs frequently in the artist's work. It is associated with the earth and with birth, but the inclusion of its bones here is also reminiscent of a relic of a saint. The title of this relief hints at the artist's interest in Celtic countries – he visited Scotland and Ireland several times during his life. It is stamped with the circular 'Hauptstrom' stamp Beuys used for works he felt summed up his beliefs particularly well.

Updated before 2020

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  • artist:
    Joseph Beuys (1921 - 1986) German
  • title:
    Celtic Object 2
  • date created:
    1980
  • materials:
    Record sleeve, record, jaw bone and wood
  • measurements:
    84.10 x 64.50 x 5.60 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:
    AR00628
  • gallery:
This artwork is part of Artist Rooms
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Joseph Beuys

Joseph Beuys