Portrait de James Joyce

by Constantin Brancusi

Artist Constantin Brancusi (Rumänien, 1876 - 1957)

Alternate Title

Porträtt av James Joyce

Dateca 1928

MediumCardboard and metal

DimensionsDiameter: 76,2 cm

ClassificationSculptures

Credit LineDonation 2004 from Pontus Hultén

Countries

Romania

On view

Stockholm

RoomGallery 01:4

Object NumberMOM/2004/81

CollectionsThe Pontus Hultén Collection

About the artworkConstantin Brancusi strove to express the essence, the inner quality, in all his works. In 1928, the artist was commissioned to portray, his friend, the Irish writer James Joyce. Brancusi chose to focus on the writer's intellect, rather than his physical appearance. The work consists of a metal spiral set against a circular sheet of cardboard. The cardboard can be seen as Joyce's head, while the spiral could represent the author's ever deeper penetration of the human mind. The work consists of several materials. The cardboard sheet gives the impression of being soft, while the metal appears more lasting. The body perishes, but thought – the essence – is immortal.
Signatures, inscriptions and marks Osignerad Selected exhibition history Pontus Hulténs samling (2004) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Den underjordiska himlen. Surrealism i Moderna Museets samling Moderna Museet, Stockholm Jacqueline de Jong (den 26 februari 2012 - den 8 april 2012) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Surrealism, samlingen (den 19 oktober 2024 - den 18 januari 2026) Moderna Museet, Stockholm The Moderna Museet exhibition catalogues Pontus Hulténs samling

Works by the artist