Question

American photographer Edward Steichen purchased the sculpture Bird in Space while in Paris, France. What occurred when he

tried to retum to the United States with the sculpture? Include as many details as possible in your response.​

Answer 1

Edward Jean Steichen ( 1879 - 1973) was an American photographer, painter and curator.

In 1926, Constantin Brancusi, a sculptor, created a sculpture of Bird in Space, which was transferred from Paris to New York for an exhibition. When Bird arrived in the United States, officials did not classify this work as art.

This is why Steichen, upon purchasing the sculpture later in Paris, had problems to return with it to the United States. The officials at customs claimed it was not art. He was, therefore, charged an import duty, while the piece of art was labeled as 'kitchen utensils and supplies'. Steichen insisted that it was a piece of art and refused to pay the duty. It was finally concluded at the Supreme court that the Bird actually was a piece of art, thus freeing Steichen from paying the duty.