© Alberto Giacometti Estate/Bildupphovsrätt 2025
Cage
Artist
Alberto Giacometti
(Schweiz, 1901 - 1966)
Alternate Title
- Bur
Date1930 - 1931
MediumWood
Dimensions49,8 x 27 x 27 cm (19 5/8 x 10 5/8 x 10 5/8 in.)
ClassificationSculptures
Credit LinePurchase 1964 (The Museum of Our Wishes)
Countries
On view
StockholmRoomGallery 01:6
Object NumberNMSK 1843
CollectionsThe Museum of Our Wishes
About the artworkThe sculpture consists of a cage, a wooden structure that defines the boundary of an inner space where a number of forms interact. They are abstract but could appear to resemble leaves or insects. The two spheres can, with a little imagination, evoke a pair of breasts or eyeballs. Giacometti’s interest in non-Western cultures is evident in the idiom. But Cage has mainly been interpreted as an expression of the artist’s exploration of the relationship between man and woman, artist and model. A struggle of some sort seems to be taking place; the enclosed forms are involved in a mating act of a violent nature. Several Surrealists explored the darker aspects of sexuality as a way of getting in touch with repressed urges, and for Giacometti this interest culminated in a disturbing rape and murder fantasy published in Le Surréalisme au service de la révolution in 1933.
Signatures, inscriptions and marks Osignerad Selected exhibition history Den underjordiska himlen. Surrealism i Moderna Museets samling Moderna Museet, Stockholm Samlingsutställning 2004 - 2011 - I vår tid (2004 - 2011) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Moderna Museets samling i ny presentation (1998-2000) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Mästerverken åter. Verk av spanska konstnärer ur Samling S. runt den återbördade Picassos Källan. (1995) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Supersurrealismen (den 29 september 2012 - den 27 januari 2013) Moderna Museet Malmö Ny presentation av samlingen (2000-2002) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Surrealism, samlingen (den 19 oktober 2024 - den 18 januari 2026) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Internationell Surrealism (1998) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Alberto Giacometti (1977) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Alberto Giacometti (den 10 oktober 2020 - den 30 maj 2021) Moderna Museet, Stockholm The Moderna Museet exhibition catalogues Alberto Giacometti : Ansikte mot ansikte : [Moderna Museet 10/10 2020-17/1 2021]The Masterpieces are back! : Moderna Museet, Spårvagnshallarna : [May 6th - August 27th 1995]Alberto Giacometti : Moderna Museet, Stockholm : 12 februari - 27 mars 1977Mästerverken åter! Moderna Museet, Spårvagnshallarna : [6 maj - 27 augusti 1995]Alberto Giacometti : Face to face : [Moderna Museet 10/10 2020-17/1 2021]
Signatures, inscriptions and marks Osignerad Selected exhibition history Den underjordiska himlen. Surrealism i Moderna Museets samling Moderna Museet, Stockholm Samlingsutställning 2004 - 2011 - I vår tid (2004 - 2011) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Moderna Museets samling i ny presentation (1998-2000) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Mästerverken åter. Verk av spanska konstnärer ur Samling S. runt den återbördade Picassos Källan. (1995) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Supersurrealismen (den 29 september 2012 - den 27 januari 2013) Moderna Museet Malmö Ny presentation av samlingen (2000-2002) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Surrealism, samlingen (den 19 oktober 2024 - den 18 januari 2026) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Internationell Surrealism (1998) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Alberto Giacometti (1977) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Alberto Giacometti (den 10 oktober 2020 - den 30 maj 2021) Moderna Museet, Stockholm The Moderna Museet exhibition catalogues Alberto Giacometti : Ansikte mot ansikte : [Moderna Museet 10/10 2020-17/1 2021]The Masterpieces are back! : Moderna Museet, Spårvagnshallarna : [May 6th - August 27th 1995]Alberto Giacometti : Moderna Museet, Stockholm : 12 februari - 27 mars 1977Mästerverken åter! Moderna Museet, Spårvagnshallarna : [6 maj - 27 augusti 1995]Alberto Giacometti : Face to face : [Moderna Museet 10/10 2020-17/1 2021]