black clamshell box containing objects attached to red backing board with red thread, under a Plexi cover; objects are: small crumpled pieces of newspaper (with Greek text), bundle of straw, loops of raffia or other plant fibers, bundle of small sticks, bottle-shaped vial of clear liquid (gasoline?), cylindrical gold lighter, silver metal file, book of pink matches and box of wooden matches with cartoon image of a purse snatching; yellow card printed with cartoon drawing in red and black of a smiling boy watching a burning house

%C2%A9 Maurice Henry %2F Artists Rights Society %28ARS%29%2C New York

Le petit Incendiare: Homage à René Daumal (The Little Arsonist: Homage to René Daumal), 1965

expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

Recognized for his discerning sense of humor, Surrealist artist, poet, and cartoonist Maurice Henry satirizes the boxed activity kits marketed to young boys and girls in this absurdist-inspired version tailored for the juvenile pyromaniac. Outfitted with matches, lighter, kindling materials, gasoline, and printed instructions, Henry's instructional game is every parent's nightmare.

As the title notes, the work honors French Surrealist novelist and poet Rene Daumal (1908–1944), widely respected for his writings on spiritualism and perception.

file_downloadprintshare
arrow_back home
Details
Title
Le petit Incendiare: Homage à René Daumal (The Little Arsonist: Homage to René Daumal)
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2009.54.3
Provenance
Acquired in 1969 by the MIA Research and Reference Library through the John Russell Van Derlip Library Fund.
Curator Approved

This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know

black clamshell box containing objects attached to red backing board with red thread, under a Plexi cover; objects are: small crumpled pieces of newspaper (with Greek text), bundle of straw, loops of raffia or other plant fibers, bundle of small sticks, bottle-shaped vial of clear liquid (gasoline?), cylindrical gold lighter, silver metal file, book of pink matches and box of wooden matches with cartoon image of a purse snatching; yellow card printed with cartoon drawing in red and black of a smiling boy watching a burning house

© Maurice Henry / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Because of © restrictions, we can only show you a small image of this artwork.