Sand Fountain 1948

"Sand Fountain" (1948) is a small, intricate assemblage by American artist Joseph Cornell (1903-1972). Cornell, known for his "shadow boxes," created surreal, dreamlike scenes within wooden boxes, using found objects and ephemera. This box, made of wood and covered in patterned paper, features a miniature hourglass pouring sand into a glass, alluding to the passage of time. The combination of ordinary objects and the artist's unique aesthetic creates a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of life. Cornell's work continues to captivate viewers with its mysterious beauty and philosophical depth.