Annabelle Walsh Fountain

Title: Fountain

Artist: Marcel Duchamp

Date: 1917, replicated in 1964

Period: Dada

Location: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Scale/size: 15 in. x 19 1/4 in. x 24 5/8 in.
Location: San Francisco Museum of Modern Art                            

Materials: Porcelain

Techniques: Glazed ceramic with black paint

Subject Matter/Content: Marcel Duchamp's Fountain is a three dimensional work. It is a standard porcelain urinal purchased from a sanitary ware supplier and belongs to a group of objects Duchamp labeled as "readymades". The found object has been turned on its side, with "R. Mutt 1917" inscribed on the side in black paint.

Symbolism Used: Although at first glance it appears to be simply a urinal, Fountain was considered by Duchamp a "readymade", meaning it rejects traditional notions of what art is or what it should be. By taking an already constructed object and simply turning it on its side, Duchamp made an everyday object into a work of art through his own alchemy. The "R. Mutt" on the side of the piece came from the name of the manufacturer of the urinal (Mott Works), but Mott was altered to Mutt, after the popular cartoon Mutt and Jeff. The 'R' was added to stand for Richard, which Duchamp felt was a fitting name as it represents the opposite of poverty. Rotating the object by 90 degrees might have been an attempt to show that 'its useful significance disappeared under the new title and point of view’.

Contextual Issues Relevant to the Work: This piece was presented to the public during the tail end of World War I and during the emergence of the Dada Movement. The years following the war carried an air of uncertainty and chaos, which was reflected in art and literature. People began to reject traditional notions regarding both art and literature, which was a primary concept of Dadaism. Duchamp's piece heavily reflects the new ideas put forth during this time period, given that his piece is both unconventional and evokes a sense of uncertainty among viewers. Formal Qualities of the Work: There is contrast created in the pure white or the urinal and the jet black paint on its side. The work features organic lines in the sleek curves of the sculpture, as well as geometric shapes - ten small circles - on the back of the work.

Intended Audience for the Work: Fountain was submitted to the newly established Society of Independent Artists, which supposedly accepted all submissions. Fountain, however, was rejected by the judges, because they felt that sanitary ware could not be considered art.

Functions: The primary function of this work is to allow people to question what can be considered art, or what art should be.

Related Themes: Fountain's themes include unconventionality and ambiguity.