Chocolate Grinder (1914) by Marcel Duchamp

The artwork titled “Chocolate Grinder” was created by Marcel Duchamp in 1914. Rendered in oil on canvas, the piece is characterized by dimensions of 73 x 60 cm. It is associated with the Cubism and Expressionism art movements and falls under the category of still life. Currently, this artwork is housed in the Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The artwork features a minimalist and abstract depiction, utilizing a palette primarily of muted tones. The central element is a series of geometric shapes arranged in a manner that suggests the mechanical structure of a chocolate grinder. The composition’s simplicity is enhanced by its use of solid, flat colors and stark contrast, reflecting themes typical of Duchamp’s works during the early 20th century. The background presents a deep, almost monochromatic hue, providing a stark contrast to the lighter, slightly more organic forms at the forefront. This artwork eloquently conveys Duchamp’s exploration of form and his departure from traditional artistic representation.

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