The artwork titled “Cy + Relics, Rome,” created by Robert Rauschenberg in 1952, belongs to the Neo-Dada art movement and is classified within the photo genre.
The artwork captures a black and white photograph featuring a young man standing beside an oversized, amputated sculpture of a hand pointing upwards. This monumental hand, set against a textured stone wall, conveys a sense of antiquity and historical reverence. The scene is flanked by large stone columns with detailed spiral carvings, creating an interplay of classical architectural elements. The juxtaposition of the modern figure with the colossal ancient relics encapsulates the Neo-Dada aesthetic of blending contemporary life with historical fragments. The composition evokes a contemplative atmosphere, inviting viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of past and present.
