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Part of the Show Machinery (Teil der Schaumaschinerie)

El Lissitzky

European Art

This lithograph is one of ten scenery and costume designs by El Lissitzky for a puppet version of the 1913 Russian Futurist opera Victory over the Sun, a tale of the clash between technological progress and social order set in a utopian universe. In his interpretation of the opera, Lissitzky emphasized its power imbalances through severely abstracted sets and costumes. His new generation’s politicized avant-garde style, Constructivism, enlisted abstract art as a catalyst not just for spiritual experience but also for social change.
MEDIUM Lithograph on heavy wove paper
DATES 1923
DIMENSIONS 17 15/16 x 14 in. (45.5 x 35.5 cm)  (show scale)
SIGNATURE Signed, "El Lissitzky," lower right or lower left of composition in pencil. Each print signed.
COLLECTIONS European Art
ACCESSION NUMBER 50.191.1
CREDIT LINE By exchange
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION El Lissitzky (Russian, 1890–1941). Part of the Show Machinery (Teil der Schaumaschinerie), 1923. Lithograph on heavy wove paper, 17 15/16 x 14 in. (45.5 x 35.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, By exchange, 50.191.1. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 50.191.1_cropped_PS22.jpg)
EDITION Edition: 6/75
IMAGE overall, 50.191.1_cropped_PS22.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph, 2024
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RIGHTS STATEMENT © artist or artist's estate
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El Lissitzky (Russian, 1890–1941). <em>Part of the Show Machinery (Teil der Schaumaschinerie)</em>, 1923. Lithograph on heavy wove paper, 17 15/16 x 14 in. (45.5 x 35.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, By exchange, 50.191.1. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 50.191.1_cropped_PS22.jpg)