Hands Holding the Void by Giacometti in the Museum of Modern Art, December 2007

Alberto Giacometti. (Swiss, 1901-1966). Hands Holding the Void (Invisible Object). 1934 (cast c. 1954-55). Bronze, 59 7/8 x 12 7/8 x 10" (152.1 x 32.6 x 25.3 cm). Louise Reinhardt Smith Bequest.

Gallery label text
2006

This highly stylized figure balances on a cagelike throne which, together with the pillory–like board covering her shins, simultaneously supports and restrains her from movement. Her hands, positioned as if holding or offering something, hold nothing, as suggested by the workÂ’s title. Giacometti modeled the figureÂ’s head and face after a protective metal mask. This is GiacomettiÂ’s first large–scale, anatomically complete human figure, and his last major work made within the orbit of Surrealism.

Text from: www.moma.org/collection/browse_results.php?object_id=81849