catalogs logo
catalogs.com logo

The strangest stories behind famous art

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

How low can you Picasso?

How low can you Picasso?

When Van Gogh sliced his ear off he had at that time not many premonitions or hopes about his living, or posthumous fame. He certainly never knew that his story of self-butchering would abound in cultural references.

Van Gogh and Tuna-Fish

Before you continue reading about the The strangest stories behind famous art there is a special announcement we would like to share with you. Catalogs.com has negotiated special medicare rates for our vibrant community of seniors. If you are over the age of 60, you can head over to our Seniors Health Section which is full of information about medicare. All you need is your zip code and a few minutes of your time to potentially save 100s of dollars on your medicare bills.

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

 

A few years ago I even heard it noted by a rapper named Tuna-Fish from the group ‘Jurassic 5,’ “Then I disappear like his missing ear when I’m switching gears.” Quite the homage, Tuna.

We seem to know more anecdotes like these and relatively few on the famous works themselves, let alone any that inspire an eye-roll or tittering which the tale of a man mutilating himself permanently doesn’t exactly provide us.

Where the Stories Come From

Famous artists have led interesting lives, many rife with conflict, despair and saturnine depression. There aren’t hordes of humorous stories about artists (though from what I’ve read, Picasso was a real hoot), but what are the strangest stories behind famous art? 

Maybe once the artist has finished the work, completed his labors and left it all to posterity, the welter of hands reaching to possess it for this or that palace, castle or modern art gallery all lend the work a certain touch of absurd humor.

~

Rocking the Boat

This was certainly true with Henri Matisse’s painting “Le Bateau” (The Boat). On October 18th, 1961 it was hung in the MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) in New York City. Forty-seven days later Henri’s son demanded it be taken down for it was on display upside down.

Extremely Important Piece of Art

In 2002 Britain’s Tate Gallery paid ?22,300 to obtain a work by the late Italian artist Piero Manzoni. “The Manzoni was a very important purchase for an extremely small amount of money,” a gallery official declared. “Nobody can deny that.” The “Manzoni” of “very important purchase” was a 30-gran can labeled “Merde Artista,” the contents of which, for all those who don’t know Italian, was a sample of the artist’s feces.

Yarny Inspiration

In April 2003 the artist Cornelia Parker wrapped Auguste Rodin’s renowned marble sculpture “The Kiss” in a mile of string to produce her masterpiece entitled, “The Distance: A Kiss With Added String.” Her grand work of yarny inspiration (said to represent the claustrophobia of relationships) was attacked while it was on display (at Tate Britain in London) by a vandal with a pair of scissors. 

The Rodin was not damaged but a Tate spokesman reported that the devious, malcontent vandals had irrevocably and heart-breakingly damaged Parker’s string. I guess in the world of art, she just couldn’t cut it.

 

Popular Savings Offers

 

cc

Top Deals

See All

Recent Posts

Get Free Catalogs When You Sign Up

Don't wait, sign up and get Free Shipping Offers, Discount Codes and lots of Savings Now!

Categories

Saving Tools

Follow Us

Logo

Since 1996, Catalogs.com has been considered the web's catalog shopping authority. Our trends experts have carefully reviewed thousands of catalogs and online stores and have featured only the most respected, distinctive, and trusted ones. From popular favorites to new discoveries, you'll shop and save with exclusive coupon codes!

Invitations for applications for insurance on Catalogs.com are made through QuoteLab, LLC and transparent.ly. Submission of your information constitutes permission for an agent to contact you with additional information about the cost and coverage details of health and auto insurance plans. Descriptions are for informational purposes only and subject to change. Insurance plans may not be available in all states. For a complete description, please call to determine eligibility and to request a copy of the applicable policy. Catalogs.com is not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program. By using this site, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.