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Spoonbridge and Cherry

Claes Oldenburg untitled study for the sculpture Spoonbridge and Cherry n.d. ink, graphite on paper H 11 x W 8 1/2 in.

Drawings and a model for Spoonbridge and Cherry

Oldenburg says he gets inspired when he eats. He keeps a small notebook in his pants pocket to record his drawings when he eats. Oldenburg started with preparatory drawings of the spoon. Like other artists, including Paul Manship, Oldenburg then made a model from his drawings. He used a spoon from his own kitchen for the model.

When he finished the model, he took it to the architect's office. He removed the layers of Kleenex he had used to cover the small model of the fountain. No one knew what it would look like. When it was unveiled it met with smiles and applause. Can you see why the client was delighted?

Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen Model for Spoonbridge and Cherry (small study) 1986 wood, paint, pencil, felt tip, nails, plastic tree, spoon H 8 1/2 x W 12 7/8 x D 12 5/8 in.