Untitled (Cockatoo and Corks) 1948

"Untitled (Cockatoo and Corks)" (1948) is a classic example of Joseph Cornell's signature assemblage style. Cornell, known for his meticulously crafted box constructions, creates a miniature world filled with found objects that hold symbolic meaning. Here, a white cockatoo stands on a branch, its presence juxtaposed with the seemingly mundane collection of corks and matchboxes. This interplay of unexpected elements reflects Cornell's fascination with the surreal and the everyday.