The Gift (Le Cadeau) is one of the most emblematic readymades of the 20th century. Originally created in 1921 by Man Ray, this conceptual sculpture consists of a flat iron with fourteen thumb tacks adhered to its sole—transforming a domestic tool into an object of poetic subversion. Conceived on the day of his first solo exhibition in Paris, the piece was assembled spontaneously with the help of avant-garde composer Erik Satie.
Originally intended as a gift to gallery owner Philippe Soupault, the piece was stolen the same day it was exhibited and has never been recovered. However, Man Ray would go on to recreate The Gift several times during his life. He authorized two significant editions: an exclusive run of 11 pieces published by Galleria Il Fauno in Turin (1972), and a broader edition of 5,000 replicas in 1977.
