“Chocolate Grinder” is a 1914 still life artwork by Marcel Duchamp, created using oil on canvas. This piece is associated with the Cubism and Expressionism art movements and is housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, located in Philadelphia, PA, US.
The artwork depicts a minimalistic and abstract representation of a functional object, specifically a chocolate grinder. The composition features geometric forms and a subdued color palette dominated by shades of brown and grey, lending to its mechanical yet expressive nature. The use of simplified shapes and untextured surfaces emphasizes the object’s industrial aesthetic, aligning with Duchamp’s fascination with machinery and everyday objects. The outlined elements and precise forms reflect influences from Cubism, while the emotional undercurrent and abstract approach resonate with Expressionist tendencies. Through “Chocolate Grinder,” Duchamp creates a compelling intersection of form and function, challenging traditional perceptions of still life art.
