Accession Number
1974/1.137

Title
Double-Nose/Purse/Punching Bag/Ashtray

Artist(s)
Claes Oldenburg

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1970

Medium & Support
lithograph on paper

Dimensions
21 in x 19 in (53.34 cm x 48.26 cm);32 1/16 in x 26 1/8 in (81.44 cm x 66.36 cm)

Credit Line
Museum Purchase

Subject matter
Like many of his prints, it has a companion sculpture with the same subject matter: the Double-Nose/Purse/Punching Bag/Ashtray sculpture was editioned, just like the print. In addition to the print and sculpture, Oldenburg produced a small manuscript called "History of the Double-Nose/Purse/Punching Bag/Ashtray Multiple," which chronicles the creation and meaning of the related series of works. Here, the lithograph depicts a round purse unzipping down the side to reveal a human nose inside it. With this, Oldenburg  emphasized the sensual nature of seductive consumer product and morphed them with related images. One logic would go: the purse holds the money that buys the cigarettes that are smoked and smelled by the nose, which can be punched like the punching bag. 

Physical Description
At the center of the print, there is an abstract shape that is more round at the bottom and narrower at the top. A loop that looks like a string or strap is coming out of the top and inside of the shape is a human nose.

Primary Object Classification
Print

Primary Object Type
black and white print

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Abstract (fine arts style)
American (North American)
Objects of adornment
Pop (fine arts styles)
Surrealism
Swedish (culture or style)
ashtrays
faces (animal components)
modern and contemporary art
noses
punching bags
purses (drawstringed accessories)