The artwork titled “L’Egypte de Mlle Cleo de Merode cours” created by Joseph Cornell in 1940 is a notable example of Surrealism, an art movement known for its exploration of the unconscious mind through unconventional imagery. This piece is an installation with dimensions measuring 4 11/16 x 10 11/16 x 7 1/4 inches.
Upon examining the artwork, one is immediately struck by its box-like structure, a characteristic form for Cornell’s creations. The wooden box houses a collection of small, cork-topped glass bottles of various sizes, some of which are filled with an assortment of materials. The backdrop of the box’s interior features printed paper, evocative of a vintage aesthetic, adorned with a title “L’EGYPTE cours élémentaire d’histoire naturelle,” suggesting a theme rooted in Egyptian history and natural elements.
The intricate marbled paper, containing the artwork’s title, frames the central part of the box’s interior, adding further depth and texture to the ensemble. The presence of this paper not only accentuates the historical and educational qualities referenced by the title but also complements the tactile variety introduced by the glass bottles. As typical with Cornell’s works, this artwork invites contemplation on its assembled elements, connoting a dream-like narrative or a cabinet of curiosities that intertwines the notions of memory, history, and the surreal.
