Accession Number
1997/1.103

Title
Diagramme No. 80

Artist(s)
Jean Tinguely

Artist Nationality
Swiss

Object Creation Date
1970

Medium & Support
pen, foil, and tape on paper

Dimensions
10 5/8 in x 14 9/16 in (26.99 cm x 36.99 cm);9 9/16 in x 13 3/8 in (24.29 cm x 33.97 cm);13 13/16 in x 18 in (35.08 cm x 45.72 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of the Lannan Foundation in Honor of the Pelham Family

Subject matter
The main component of this work is the central sketch in the center of the page. Here, Tinguely appears to have drawn various mechanized forms, such as the large wheel on a pulley that comes out of the center of the drawing. The names scribbled around the border of the work refer to people whom Tinguely was friends with and whom he admired. For example, Friedrich Engels and Piotr Kropotkin were among the philosophers who inspired Tinguely. Overall, the drawings in this work are reminiscent of the somewhat chaotic and whimsical sculptures and machines for which Tinguely is recognized. Tinguely created sculptures for the friends he admired, including some whose names appear here so this drawing, perhaps, serves as an early ideation of the works he would later create to honor his peers.

Physical Description
This complex drawing looks like a cross between a map and a plan for a factory. It contains mechanical looking forms, street addresses and epithets. Prominent words and phrases in French, German and English include Booking, 28194, Diaphragne No. 80,  28759 Baden-Baden, Harry Mathews (or Matheus) Kropotkin album 50, Engels = Ursprung, 1 Affiche, and Retour. The drawing is bordered by pieces of cream tape, which have been drawn over in black lines and writing.  

Primary Object Classification
Mixed Media

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
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Keywords
diagrams
doodling
inspiration
machines (general equipment)
modern and contemporary art
sketches