JOSEPH BEUYS
Lot 327

JOSEPH BEUYS

Magnetic Postcard (Sch. 154)

Closed8 February 2008

Price Realised

USD 1,375

More Information

How to sell

JOSEPH BEUYS
Magnetic Postcard (Sch. 154)
sheet iron with raised lettering and stamped magnet multiple, 1975, signed in pencil, from the edition of approximately 500 (there were no recorded artist's proofs), published by Edition Staeck, Heidelberg, minor surface soiling, occasional soft scuffs, rusting overall (presumably an intended effect over time due to choice of material), otherwise in very good condition, original brown board box with black printed title
overall: 4 1/8 x 5 7/8 in. (125 x 165 mm.)

Specialist note

When Beuys first chose iron sheet metal for his 'magnetic' postcard, he did not realize that iron cannot be polarized. He decided to move forward in spite of this and cleverly stamped the piece 'Magnetischer Abfall,' which can be translated both as 'Magnetic Rubbish' and 'Magnetic Deficiency.'