Object Indestructable (see Schwarz 332, Sers 31)

Details

MAN RAY (1890-1976)
Object Indestructable (see Schwarz 332, Sers 31)
three-dimensional metronome with affixed photograph, 1923, signed in ink on the publication label (faded), numbered 13/100, published by Mario Amaya for the New York Cultural Center, New York, 1975, the label with staining and discoloration, the 'eye' with minor surface scratches, occasional minor wear and tear overall, otherwise in good condition
Height: 8½ in. (215 mm.)

Lot Essay

One of Man Ray's Perpetual Motif objects, Object Indistructible succeeded the Object to be Destroyed, which was published with the following instructions:

Cut out the eye from a photograph of one who has been loved but is seen no more. Attach the eye to the pendulum of a metronome and regulate the weight to suit the tempo desired. Keep going to the limit of endurance. With a hammer well-aimed, try to destroy the whole at a single blow.

The original Objet was in fact destroyed in 1957 when students followed Man Ray's instructions to the letter and smashed it to pieces.

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