Marcel Duchamp and the Americans

Abstract

The author examines Duchamp's role and influence in American art. What in fact was the fascination of Americans with Duchamp? Was it merely the novelty and brashness of his sensational works? Was it his circus-like antics that appealed? Or perhaps it was that his ready mades were especially well suited to the pragmatic character of the American mind? The author explores such questions with a view to gaining a better understanding of Duchamp's importance to American art and culture. Special attention is given to Duchamp's relation to Man Ray.