Question

American photographer Edward Steichen purchased the sculpture Bird in Space while in Paris, France. What occurred when he tried to return to the United States with the sculpture? Include as many details as possible in your response.

Answer 1

Although he was asked at customs what the sculpture was, US customs claimed it was not art. They charged him an import duty and labeled it as "kitchen utensils and supplies." Steichen refused to pay the duty because it was a piece of art and pieces of art are not taxed. The case eventually went to the Supreme Court, where it was concluded that the sculpture was a piece of art and Steichen did not have to pay the import tax.

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