Bird in Space
ArtistConstantin Brancusi
Year1923-1940
MediumMarble or bronze
LocationVarious museums
About Bird in Space
A series of 27 sculptures abstracting a bird in flight. US Customs initially classified it as a taxable industrial product, not art. The ensuing court case redefined what qualifies as art in America. The polished bronze reflects the viewer and surroundings. Brancusi spent decades refining the form.