Revolving
Kurt Schwitters
German, 1887–1948
1919
A constructed relief of wood, metal, cord, cardboard, wool, wire, leather, and oil paint that assembles found and made parts into an abstract, machine‑like tableau aiming to animate ordinary materials with rhythmic movement.
At a glance you’re drawn to overlapping circular shapes joined by a sweeping metal arc and taut cords against a worn green‑blue ground, where rust, frayed fibers, and patched surfaces give the work a gentle, weathered motion and tactile presence.
An early Merz assemblage by Kurt Schwitters that helped blur painting and sculpture, elevating everyday detritus into poetic form and anticipating later collage, assemblage, and kinetic experiments.
Medium
Wood, metal, cord, cardboard, wool, wire, leather, and oil on canvas
Dimensions
48 3/8 x 35" (122.7 x 88.7 cm)
Classification
Department
Credit
Advisory Committee Fund
Accession
231.1968
Palette
Art Terms
Exhibitions
