de ou par Marcel Duchamp ou Rrose Sélavy (La Boîte-en-valise)

La Boîte-en-valise, literally translated as "Box in a Valise," is a portable miniature museum created by Marcel Duchamp. Begun in the late 1930s and produced in various editions until his death, the Boîte-en-valise contains miniature reproductions of Duchamp's major works, including paintings, sculptures, and readymades.

The box itself is a suitcase, and its contents are carefully arranged to showcase the scope of Duchamp's artistic career. These reproductions are not simply photographic copies; they are meticulously crafted miniature versions of the originals, often using the same materials and techniques as the larger-scale works. This painstaking reproduction process highlights Duchamp's interest in challenging the notions of originality, authorship, and the nature of art itself.

The title, "de ou par Marcel Duchamp ou Rrose Sélavy," meaning "by or from Marcel Duchamp or Rrose Sélavy," reflects Duchamp's exploration of identity and artistic persona. Rrose Sélavy was Duchamp's female alter ego, and her inclusion in the title emphasizes the multifaceted nature of his artistic practice and the blurring of boundaries between artist and artwork.

The Boîte-en-valise can be interpreted as a retrospective exhibition in miniature, a self-contained museum, and a commentary on the commodification of art. It allows viewers to experience Duchamp's artistic universe in a personal and portable format, further questioning traditional notions of the art object and its context. It is considered a significant work in Duchamp's oeuvre and a pivotal contribution to 20th-century art.