Indestructible Object

Gallery 269, Modern and Contemporary Art, second floor

Main Building

Indestructible Object

1965 (replica of destroyed 1923 original)

Man Ray (American, 1890–1976)

Indestructible Object combines a metronome with a photograph of the eye of Lee Miller, Man Ray’s erstwhile studio assistant and lover. Man Ray smashed the original version of this sculpture with a hammer, an act motivated by both desire and aggression.

Gallery 269, Modern and Contemporary Art, second floor

Object Details

Title:

Indestructible Object

Date:

1965 (replica of destroyed 1923 original)

Artist:

Man Ray (American, 1890–1976)

Medium:

Metronome with photograph

Dimensions:

8 5/8 x 4 3/8 x 4 1/2 inches (21.9 x 11.1 x 11.4 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Gift of the Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, 1971

Accession Number:

1971-41-7

Geography:

Made in France, Europe

We are always open to learning more about our collections and updating the website. Does this record contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Contact us here.

Please note that this particular artwork might not be on view when you visit. Don’t worry—we have plenty of exhibitions for you to explore.

Gallery 269, Modern and Contemporary Art, second floor

Main Building

Museum map