Video

c.1955–1963
(American, 1903–1972)
Framed: 25 x 37 x 9.5 cm (9 13/16 x 14 9/16 x 3 3/4 in.); Overall: 24.8 x 36.9 x 9.2 cm (9 3/4 x 14 1/2 x 3 5/8 in.)
© The Joseph and Robert Cornell Memorial Foundation / Licensed by VAGA at Artists Rights Society (ARS), NY
This artwork is known to be under copyright.
Location: not on view

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Did You Know?

The poet Charles Simic described Cornell's boxes as "dreams in which objects are renamed and invested with imaginary lives."

Description

Cornell devoted much of his life to assembling glass-fronted boxes of objects and printed material that he found or acquired from second-hand shops and bookstores. By virtue of their unexpected juxtapositions, the artist’s arrangements generate poetic associations. In this example, the cork balls, metal ring, black disk, and constellation diagram evoke the structure and mysteries of the universe. The meaning behind the title of the work remains elusive, perhaps as Cornell intended.
Video

Video

c.1955–1963

Joseph Cornell

(American, 1903–1972)
America, 20th century

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