The Urinal That Changed Art Forever

In 1917, artist Marcel Duchamp submitted a standard porcelain urinal to an exhibition, signing it R. Mutt. This act single-handedly redefined art by suggesting that an object's value comes from the artist's choice, not their craftsmanship.

Before this, art was judged by technical skill and the physical labor required to create it. Duchamp argued that by choosing the object and repositioning it, he created a new thought for the viewer. This radical move birthed the concept of the readymade, where mundane items are elevated to high art. It remains one of the most controversial and influential pieces in modern history because it stripped away the traditional requirements of being an artist.