Details

Provenance

Man Ray, Paris Juliet Man Ray, Paris Joseph Browner (by descent from the above) Private Collection, New York Meredith Palmer Gallery, New York Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2002

Literature

Roland Penrose, Man Ray , London, 1975, no. 64, illustration of an example from the 1958 edition p. 110 Arturo Schwarz, Man Ray. The Rigour of Imagination , London, 1977, nos. 329 & 332, illustrations of examples from the 1963 and 1971 editions p. 218 Jean-Hubert Martin, Rosalind Krauss & Brigitte Hermann, Man Ray. Objets de mon affection. Sculptures et objets, Catalogue raisonné , Paris, 1983, no. 31, illustration of the 1923 Object to be Destroyed p. 46 Man Ray, Self-Portrait , Boston & London, 1988, illustration of an example from the 1958 edition p. 97 Condition This work is in good condition overall. There are two minor surface scratches on the back of the metronome. The metronome itself is functional and the mechanisms appear to be in good condition. There is a small amount of tape residue on the back of the photograph of the eye, and some very minor spots of surface craquelure on the front of it towards the right. The metronome cover shows some slight surface rubbing in the lower third, a few minor nicks overall and two very small chips along the top edge. In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Catalog summary

Man Ray INDESTRUCTIBLE OBJECT Inscribed Man Ray (lower right of metronome exterior); inscribed 1923 Object to be destroyed; 1957 destroyed; 1963 Indestructible object; replica and signed Man Ray (on the inside of the metronome cover) Metronome, metal clip and photograph Height: 8 1/2 in. 21.5 cm Provenance Man Ray, Paris Juliet Man Ray, Paris Joseph Browner (by descent from the above) Private Collection, New York Meredith Palmer Gallery, New York Acquired from the above by the present owner in 2002 Literature Roland Penrose, Man Ray , London, 1975, no. 64, illustration of an example from the 1958 edition p. 110 Arturo Schwarz, Man Ray. The Rigour of Imagination , London, 1977, nos. 329 & 332, illustrations of examples from the 1963 and 1971 editions p. 218 Jean-Hubert Martin, Rosalind Krauss & Brigitte Hermann, Man Ray. Objets de mon affection. Sculptures et objets, Catalogue raisonné , Paris, 1983, no. 31, illustration of the 1923 Object to be Destroyed p. 46 Man Ray, Self-Portrait , Boston & London, 1988, illustration of an example from the 1958 edition p. 97 Condition This work is in good condition overall. There are two minor surface scratches on the back of the metronome. The metronome itself is functional and the mechanisms appear to be in good condition. There is a small amount of tape residue on the back of the photograph of the eye, and some very minor spots of surface craquelure on the front of it towards the right. The metronome cover shows some slight surface rubbing in the lower third, a few minor nicks overall and two very small chips along the top edge. In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.