Monogram (artwork)
Monogram: An Iconic Artwork by Robert Rauschenberg
Created between 1955 and 1959, “Monogram” is a seminal artwork by American artist Robert Rauschenberg. This unique piece is a combine, a term Rauschenberg coined to describe works that merge painting and sculpture. “Monogram” features a stuffed Angora goat whose midsection passes through an automobile tire, creating a striking visual that challenges conventional artistic boundaries. Critic Jorg von Uthmann has described it as Rauschenberg’s most famous work, reflecting the artist’s innovative spirit and exploration of meaning in art. In 1965, the artwork was purchased by Pontus Hultén for the collection of Moderna Museet in Stockholm, where it continues to be celebrated as an important piece of modern art.
History of the Artwork
Rauschenberg’s artistic journey during the 1950s was marked by experimentation and a desire to transcend traditional artistic forms. His series of artworks created between 1954 and 1964 exemplifies this ambition, with “Monogram” serving as a quintessential example of his Combine technique. The term “Combine” itself reflects Rauschenberg’s intent to create free-standing sculptures that integrate painted canvases with found objects.
The inspiration for “Monogram” came when Rauschenberg encountered the stuffed Angora goat in a secondhand furniture store on Seventh Avenue in New York City. With only $15 to his name, he purchased the goat, which would become central to one of his most iconic works. Over the course of four years, from 1955 to 1959, “Monogram” underwent several transformations, each iteration documented through studies and photographs. The title of the work stems from the visual connection between the goat and the tire, evoking the intertwined letters typical of a monogram.
The Evolution of Monogram
“Monogram” took on three distinct forms throughout its creation. The first version, spanning from 1955 to 1956, featured the goat on a shelf attached to a wall-mounted painting that would later be titled “Rhyme.” Art critic Calvin Tomkins noted that Rauschenberg eventually modified this version due to dissatisfaction; he felt that the goat could only be viewed from one side, limiting its impact.
The second version emerged in 1956 when Rauschenberg reconstructed “Monogram.” In this iteration, the goat was encircled by a white-repainted tire and positioned on a narrow wooden platform with a vertical extension at its rear. Although visually compelling, Rauschenberg remained unhappy with this form, feeling that it appeared as though the goat was pulling the painting rather than coexisting with it.
The final incarnation of “Monogram” was realized in 1959 with input from fellow artist Jasper Johns. In this version, Rauschenberg placed a square panel on casters on the floor and centered the goat within it, creating an evocative image reminiscent of a pastoral scene. This transformation not only solidified “Monogram’s” identity but also showcased Rauschenberg’s commitment to evolving his artistic vision.
Interpretations and Analysis
Throughout his career, Robert Rauschenberg emphasized his intention to avoid creating fixed meanings within his artworks. He famously stated that if he recognized any clichéd associations within his work, he would alter it to maintain an open interpretation. According to Rauschenberg, meaning is shaped by each viewer’s personal experience with the artwork: “A stuffed goat is special in the way that a stuffed goat is special.” This perspective highlights his desire for viewers to engage with “Monogram” on their own terms rather than through preconceived notions.
Despite Rauschenberg’s insistence on open-ended interpretations, numerous scholars and critics have attempted to derive meaning from “Monogram.” For instance, art historian Graham Smith noted that Rauschenberg never claimed the goat represented anything beyond itself nor did he suggest that the tire held deeper significance. However, Kenneth Bendiner proposed a specific reading that connects “Monogram” to William Holman Hunt’s painting “The Scapegoat,” interpreting the goat as a Christ figure burdened by sin.
This interpretation gains additional weight from biographical context: Rauschenberg once recounted how he returned home from school to find that his father had slaughtered his pet goat. Art critic Catherine Craft remarked upon the emotional depth inherent in “Monogram,” describing its beauty as poignant yet unsettling—an animal poised for sacrifice yet adorned with striking features reminiscent of traditional fetish sculptures.
The Controversial Readings
While many interpretations exist regarding “Monogram,” some readings have ignited controversy among critics. Notably, Robert Hughes asserted that the work contains homoerotic themes due to its symbolic association with lust through the imagery of the goat. He provocatively described it as “the most powerful image of anal intercourse ever to emerge from modern art.” This interpretation has garnered significant attention but has also faced criticism for being overly reductive.
In response to Hughes’s claims, critic Leo Steinberg argued against narrowing down “Monogram” to a single meaning. He contended that such interpretations overlook the complexity and unpredictability inherent in Rauschenberg’s work during this period. Steinberg advocated for recognizing the diverse associations elicited by the combination of objects in “Monogram,” arguing against oversimplifying it into one provocative interpretation.
Arthur Danto added another layer of complexity by pointing out how ordinary objects like tires and goats were recontextualized in unprecedented ways through Rauschenberg’s artistic vision. He highlighted that while these items are familiar symbols capable of evoking straightforward meanings (such as sacrificial connotations), their combination in “Monogram” results in something entirely unique and challenging for viewers to decipher.
Conclusion
Robert Rauschenberg’s “Monogram” stands as an enduring symbol of innovation in modern art—a blend of sculpture and painting that defies easy categorization or interpretation. Through its evolution over multiple iterations and its ability to provoke diverse readings among critics and audiences alike, “Monogram” showcases Rauschenberg’s commitment to exploring new artistic territories while inviting viewers into an open dialogue about meaning and experience.
The artwork continues to resonate within contemporary discussions surrounding art’s role in reflecting societal complexities and personal narratives. As part of Moderna Museet’s collection in Stockholm, “Monogram” remains an essential piece for understanding both Rauschenberg’s legacy and broader movements within 20th-century art.
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