© 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 Internationell Surrealism (1998) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Ny presentation av samlingen (2000-2002) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Mästerverken åter. Verk av spanska konstnärer ur Samling S. runt den återbördade Picassos Källan. (1995) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Alberto Giacometti (den 10 oktober 2020 - den 30 maj 2021) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Supersurrealismen (den 29 september 2012 - den 27 januari 2013) Moderna Museet Malmö Moderna Museets samling i ny presentation (1998-2000) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Surrealism, samlingen (den 19 oktober 2024 - den 18 januari 2026) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Alberto Giacometti (1977) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Samlingsutställning 2004 - 2011 - I vår tid (2004 - 2011) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Den underjordiska himlen. Surrealism i Moderna Museets samling 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 Internationell Surrealism (1998) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Ny presentation av samlingen (2000-2002) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Mästerverken åter. Verk av spanska konstnärer ur Samling S. runt den återbördade Picassos Källan. (1995) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Alberto Giacometti (den 10 oktober 2020 - den 30 maj 2021) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Supersurrealismen (den 29 september 2012 - den 27 januari 2013) Moderna Museet Malmö Moderna Museets samling i ny presentation (1998-2000) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Surrealism, samlingen (den 19 oktober 2024 - den 18 januari 2026) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Alberto Giacometti (1977) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Samlingsutställning 2004 - 2011 - I vår tid (2004 - 2011) Moderna Museet, Stockholm Den underjordiska himlen. Surrealism i Moderna Museets samling 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]