Joseph Cornell’s 1945-1946 wood box construction, Untitled (Penny Arcade Portrait of Lauren Bacall), is a celebrated work of assemblage that features a central portrait of Bacall surrounded by smaller images. Cornell incorporated moving parts in the piece, giving it an air of enjoyment. It measures 20.5 x 16 x 3.5 inches and is part of the Lindy and Edwin Bergman Collection.
Cornell’s lifelong fascination with cinema and movie stars is evident in this work, with Bacall being a frequent subject in his boxes. He often used found objects to create three-dimensional compositions and was considered one of the most innovative artists of assemblage.
Untitled (Penny Arcade Portrait of Lauren Bacall) has been exhibited in New York and other locations in the US, and is part of the Joseph Cornell papers. The piece showcases Cornell’s ability to combine disparate objects into a cohesive artwork that transcends its individual elements.
Overall, Untitled (Penny Arcade Portrait Of Lauren Bacall) is a testament to Joseph Cornell’s ability to transform everyday objects into works of art that provoke thought, nostalgia, and joy through their whimsy and playfulness.
