ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Rare footage of Constantin Brâncuși at work surfaces

artist · 2026-04-27

A 50-minute video compilation of Constantin Brâncuși (1876–1957), filmed between 1923 and 1939, shows the Romanian sculptor at work, including assembling his iconic "Endless Column." The footage, described by critic Blake Gopnik in The New York Times as capturing Brâncuși's obsession with how his sculpture comes to life outdoors, was made possible after Man Ray taught Brâncuși the basics of filmmaking in the early 1920s. This collection represents all surviving footage shot by the artist.

Key facts

  • 50-minute video compilation
  • Filmed between 1923 and 1939
  • Shows Constantin Brâncuși at work
  • Includes assembly of the Endless Column
  • Man Ray taught Brâncuși filmmaking basics
  • Footage described by critic Blake Gopnik
  • All surviving footage shot by Brâncuși
  • Published by Artribune

Entities

Artists

  • Constantin Brâncuși
  • Man Ray

Institutions

  • Artribune
  • The New York Times

Sources