Giacometti referred to his so–called Disagreeable Objects as "objects without pedestal and without value," thereby distancing them from the realm of traditional sculpture. Produced at the height of his involvement with Surrealism, this object was intended to be touched, and could be displayed in different positions. The smooth carved wood phallus, with its pointed and spiked tip, embodies the opposing forces of desire and menace.

Gallery label from

2006.

Medium Wood
Dimensions 6 1/8 x 19 5/16 x 4 5/16" (15.6 x 49.1 x 11 cm)
Credit Private collection, promised gift to The Museum of Modern Art, New York, in honor of Kirk Varnedoe
Object number PG2467.2001
Department Painting & Sculpture

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Alberto Giacometti

Alberto Giacometti

Swiss, 1901–1966 84 works online

In the winter of 1947, Alberto Giacometti wrote a letter to Pierre Matisse, a gallerist in New York who was organizing an exhibition of his works.

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