The Evil Eye

Currently not on view

The Evil Eye

1947

Enrico Donati (American (born Italy), 1909–2008)

Enrico Donati created The Evil Eye for the exhibition Surrealism in 1947, which marked the movement’s Paris homecoming following World War II. Conceived around the theme of the New Myth, the exhibition was designed to evoke the stages of a ceremonial initiation rite. It opened with the Hall of Superstitions, where the visitor was meant to confront and cast off his or her deepest fears. There, this spooky sculpture, inspired by the insidious evil eye talisman, was hung high up on a wall lined with dark turquoise cloth. Donati also showed his painting Carnival of Venice (Philadelphia Museum of Art, 2002-87-1).

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Evil Eye

Date:

1947

Artist:

Enrico Donati (American (born Italy), 1909–2008)

Medium:

Painted plaster, acrylic sheet, copper wire, mirrors, glass

Dimensions:

9 3/4 × 11 3/8 × 7 inches (24.8 × 28.9 × 17.8 cm)

Classification:

Sculpture

Credit Line:

Gift of Adele Donati, 2011

Accession Number:

2011-1-1

Geography:

Made in Paris, France, Europe

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Currently not on view