Marcel Duchamp

The Oculist Witness
1965–1966

Not on view

Date
1965–1966

Classification
Prints

Medium
Etching

Dimensions
Sheet (Irregular): 12 13/16 × 9 7/8in. (32.5 × 25.1 cm) Plate: 5 9/16 × 3 3/4in. (14.1 × 9.5 cm)

Accession number
91.74.7

Edition
7/30 | First of 2 states

Publication
Printed by Giorgio Upiglio; published by Galleria Schwarz

Credit line
Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; gift of Milton and Rosemary Okun

Rights and reproductions
© Estate of Marcel Duchamp / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris

API
artworks/7867

Part of a series:
The Large Glass and Related Works
20 works

A collection of various artworks and artifacts displayed on a neutral background. The centerpiece is a red, open box containing multiple compartments, each holding different items such as a small sculpture, a bottle, and several framed pieces of art. Surrounding the box are additional framed artworks and photographs laid out, some with descriptive text beneath them. The collection appears to be part of an exhibition or a curated set.
A collection of handwritten letters and documents spread out on a grey surface, with some mounted on black paper with yellow labels, alongside a black-and-white photograph of a person writing and a white book with a line drawing on the cover.
A minimalist line drawing on a textured off-white paper featuring abstract geometric shapes and lines that suggest a mechanical or structural form. The artwork is signed "Marcel Duchamp" at the bottom left and numbered "7/30" at the bottom right.
A sketch on paper depicting an abstract, linear figure that appears to be a fragmented, mechanical form, possibly representing a figure in motion or a machine. The drawing is executed with delicate lines, and there are handwritten inscriptions at the bottom. The paper has a rough texture and uneven edges, suggesting it may be an artist's proof or a work in progress.
A minimalist line drawing on a textured off-white paper featuring an abstract mobile-like structure with geometric shapes suspended from horizontal rods. The artist's signature is visible in the lower left corner, and there is a notation in the lower right corner.
A sketch of a mechanical-looking object with four elongated arms extending from a central pole, each arm ending with a sphere. Below the arms, a series of overlapping geometric shapes resembling petals or leaves hang from the structure. The image is monochromatic with a signature at the bottom right and a fraction notation at the bottom left on a textured paper background.
A black and white etching featuring two separate abstract mechanical compositions on a textured paper. The upper section shows a fragmented machine-like figure next to a series of four blank rectangles within a cloud-like form. The lower section depicts a more complex assembly of geometric shapes, gears, and suspended forms resembling clothing on a line, all connected to a scaffold structure. The artist's signature and edition number are visible at the bottom.
A black and white line drawing on a vertical sheet of paper featuring abstract and mechanical elements. The upper left shows a figure with disjointed limbs, while the upper right displays a cloud-like shape with four rectangles hanging beneath it. The lower half of the image contains a complex assembly of geometric shapes and mechanical parts, resembling a contraption with hanging garments and a series of pulleys. The artist's signature is in the lower left corner, and there are numerical notations on the bottom right.
A detailed etching on paper featuring a collection of abstract mechanical and geometric shapes. The upper section shows a fragmented line with hanging rectangles, while the lower section displays a complex assembly of forms resembling machinery or parts of a contraption, with clothing items hanging on a line. The artwork includes both black and red ink, with some elements highlighted in red, and is signed at the bottom.
A minimalist etching on paper featuring abstract figures with fragmented bodies and indistinct features. The artwork is numbered 7/30 at the bottom left and signed by the artist on the bottom right. The paper has a textured, off-white background that enhances the delicate line work of the drawing.


On the Hour

A 30-second online art project:
Maya Man, A Realistic Day In My Life Living In New York City

Learn more about this project

Learn more at whitney.org/artport

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