Summary
This is one of a group of photographs Cahun produced in 1936 from assemblages involving a bell jar and a wooden artist’s mannequin. While the mannequin in Untitled, 1936 (P79317) has been feminised with the addition of a lock of hair, in this miniature mise-en-scène the figure is crowned with tall, pointed structure (possibly made from the quill of a feather), that evokes a phallic spear or a single rosebud, coming out of a disc set on his head at an angle. Seated on his podium, the mannequin clasps symbols of power to his groin with his wooden hand. These include an unwieldy object on its side – from other photographs in the group (reproduced in Downie, pp.180-1) it may be seen that this is a large key – and what appears to be the fist of a larger doll. His right arm holds aloft a wispy plant in a tiny vase as though it is an accessory of some importance. Outside the jar, a turtle shell leans against the glass, suggesting a shield… (read more)
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