MAN RAY The Hammer or Trompe l'oeuf - 1963 Original and unique sculpture in wood Toilet seat and photograph Signed on the back of the photograph "Man Ray", signed with the initials and annotated on the seat "This is to certify / that the seat is my/ private utensil MR", signed and annotated on the edge "mon oeil/Man Ray". Photograph taken by Man Ray in Hollywood in 1944 and probably printed in 1963 Toilet seat: 43 x 39 cm - 16 ⅞ x 15 ⅜ in. Photo: 30 x 23,70 cm - 11 ¾ x 9 ⅜ in. Provenance: Christophe Czwiklitzer Collection (acquired from the artist). To the present owners by inheritance Bibliography: J.-H. Martin, Man Ray Sculptures et Objets, catalogue raisonné, Editions Philippe Sers, Paris, 1983, n°144 p.155, reproduced in black and white p.117 This work, referenced under number 00519-O-2025, will be included in the catalogue raisonné Objects et Sculpture de Man Ray currently being prepared by the Man Ray Expertise Committee. Toilet seat in wood and photograph ; signed on the reverse of the photograph, signed with the initials and annotated on the toilet seat, signed and annotated on the edge An original sculpture from which a replica in black bakelite and 2 copies were made in 1964, followed by an edition of 10 for Marcel Zerbib, Paris. There is also a variant of the object with the inscription "marteau" on the photograph of the egg and "frappez S.V.P." underneath. The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Andrew Strauss and Timothy Baum of the Man Ray Expertise Committee. MAN RAY