The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even is a notorious artwork by Marcel Duchamp created between 1915-23. Commonly known as “The Large Glass,” it is one of the artist’s most significant contributions to modern art. The artwork is over 9 feet tall and almost 6 feet wide, divided into two sections: the upper part, depicting the bride stripped bare, and the lower section showcasing nine bachelors symbolizing sexual desire.
Duchamp spent years planning “The Large Glass.” He used notes, sketches, and studies between 1912-17. These materials were then compiled in “The Green Box,” which included valuable insights about his creative process. He believed that painting and sculpture didn’t adequately reflect contemporary cultural life; hence he incorporated distinct elements like tilting panes of glass that represent unobtainable desire.
Duchamp’s unconventional approach to creating art deeply influenced later movements like pop and conceptual art. It arrived at Philadelphia Museum of Art cracked after delivery. Still, it remains accessible to the public while undergoing a meticulous restoration process in which only specialized conservation studios can handle unique repairs to The Large Glass.
