The Manuscript 1999
Sculpture/Readymade found object • Likely Claudio Parmiggiani or an artist influenced by the Arte Povera/Conceptual tradition (inscription suggests specific series)
Style & Movement
Conceptual Art / Minimalist Contemporary
Medium & Technique
Empty glass wine bottle with etched or printed text on the exterior surface. The technique involves recontextualizing a mass-produced object into a gallery setting.
Creation Period
1999
Dimensions & Format
Standard wine bottle dimensions (approx. 30 cm Height, 7.5 cm Diameter); vertical format on a square pedestal.
Subject Description
A clear, empty wine bottle displayed atop a white pedestal. The text 'The Manuscript 1999' is inscribed on the glass. It explores themes of transparency, memory, the passage of time, and the vessel as a container for unspoken narratives or 'ghost' manuscripts.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent; the glass appears intact without visible chips, cracks, or clouding.
Estimated Market Value
$5,000 - $15,000 USD (depending on artist confirmation and edition size if applicable)
Auction Estimate
$4,000 - $10,000 USD
Provenance History
Likely entered a museum or private collection via a contemporary art gallery after 1999. Current setting appears to be a formal gallery or museum exhibition.
Art Historical Significance
Follows the Duchampian tradition of the 'readymade.' It bridges the gap between everyday materials and high art, focusing on the philosophical weight of empty space and the evocative power of linguistic labels on objects.
Notable Features
The specific inscription 'The Manuscript 1999' differentiates this from ordinary utilitarian glass, transforming it into a self-referential artistic object.
Condition Issues
No significant issues visible. Minor risk of surface fingerprints or dust accumulation due to the transparent nature of the medium.
Conservation Recommendations
Maintain in a vibration-free, stable environment. Use a glass or acrylic vitrine to prevent accidental breakage and surface oils from handling.