The Art of Chess: A Tale of Duchamp, Cage, and Nimzowitsch

The recent attack on Da Vinci’s Mona Lisa painting by eco-protesters has raised questions about the security measures in place at French galleries. This incident reminded a visitor of a similar incident years ago at a DADA Movement exhibition in Paris, where a chess set designed by Marcel Duchamp was attacked by a lunatic armed with a hammer. The visitor, who had played on the same set at Marcel Duchamp’s widow’s chateau, raised concerns about the lack of security response during the recent attack on the Mona Lisa.

The visitor also shared insights into the personal connections with Marcel Duchamp, Teeny Duchamp, and avant-garde composer John Cage. A recorded chess game between Cage and Duchamp from 1966 was recently discovered, shedding light on their unique collaboration in a musical chess game called “Reunion.” The visitor also highlighted the strategic moves in the game between Cage and Duchamp, drawing parallels to a master game between Nimzowitsch and Rubinstein.

Overall, the visitor’s reflections on the art world’s connections, security concerns, and historical chess games provide a unique perspective on the recent incident at the Louvre. The story serves as a reminder of the intersection between art, history, and strategy in the world of avant-garde art and chess.