Photograph by Ed Pollard, Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II digital slr-2008.

Rearrangeable Domestic Roman Collection

Artist Josiah McElheny (American, b. 1966)

Date1994

MediumBlown glass, wood, and paper

DimensionsOverall: 31 1/4 x 20 1/2 x 10 3/4 in. (79.4 x 52.1 x 27.3 cm)

ClassificationsGlass

Credit LineGift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. by exchange.

Object number2008.12

Terms

fake vessel
Reproductions
Roman
Glass
Colorless
White

Collections

Glass Art

On View

Not on view

DescriptionRearrangeable Domestic Roman Collection consists of twelve glass objects presented in a wooden display case with hinged door, three glass shelves and glass top. There are four objects on each shelf. Each glass object is marked with an inventory number in small black lettering. Loose, handwritten paper labels are laid flat on the shelves and read as follows (top to bottom):
Shelf 1: Actual Originals
Shelf 2: Obvious Fakes
Shelf 3: Usable Reproductions
Bottom of cabinet: large paper label with rough drawings of vessels

Label TextJosiah McElheny American, b. 1966 Rearrangeable Domestic Roman Collection, 1994 Blown glass, wood, and paper Blending fact and fiction, Josiah McElheny’s work plays with our expectation that museums offer authentic works of art. The artist filled this case with delicate glass objects and the kind of labels typically found in museum displays. Although the glass pieces look old, McElheny actually created them to look like ancient treasures from an archeological dig. He also wrote misleading labels that raise questions about what makes an artwork original. Gift of Walter P. Chrysler, Jr. by exchange 2008.12