1990 Catalogue Raisonné Claes Oldenburg the Soap at Baton Rouge 158/250

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The Soap at Baton Rouge, 1990
Soap - Cast Resin, Bed and Book-Filled Vinyl with Catalogue Raisonné
13 1/2 × … Read more The Soap at Baton Rouge, 1990
Soap - Cast Resin, Bed and Book-Filled Vinyl with Catalogue Raisonné
13 1/2 × 20 3/8 × 1 5/8 in
34.3 × 51.8 × 4.1 cm
Edition 158/250

Signed and numbered to book ‘Oldenburg 158/250’. Stamped signature and number to bar of soap 'CO 158/250'.

The Soap at Baton Rouge is connected to Claes Oldenburg's distinguished public art practice. Throughout his career, he has mounted large-scale reproductions of quotidian objects, often pairing them with small maquettes or replicas. In 1972, Cincinnati based art dealer Carl Solway contacted Oldenburg about the possibility for commissioning a public work in Cincinnati to be partially funded by Proctor & Gamble Corporation, headquartered there. Oldenburg found inspiration in a well-known household product from P&G, the “IVORY” embossed bar of white soap that was recognized for its unique property of floating. According to the artist, the floating soap in combination with the location of Cincinnati on the Ohio River gave him the idea for a colossal, boat-like bar of soap. Although never realized in Ohio, the multiple is a characteristic example of Oldenburg’s most celebrated series of public works.

Box dimensions: 13-1/2 x 20-3/8 x 1-5/8 inches
Catalogue dimensions: 12-1/4 x 9-1/4 inches
Soap dimensions: 4-3/4 x 3 x ¼ inches
Vinyl Bed dimensions: 12 x 9-1/2 x 1 inches See less