found object

noun

1. a natural or manufactured object that is perceived as being aesthetically satisfying and exhibited as such.

found object

noun

1. another name for objet trouvé

Word History and Origins

Origin of found object¹

1955–60; translation of French objet trouvé

Example Sentences

“It’s a found object, but price-wise it’s the same as a sculpture,” he said, laughing again.

From New York Times

The partly curved shape of the semi-wooden upright might seem to emulate a found object, but it was actually generated with geographic-information-system data.

From Washington Post

Dwan looked at his work — minimal, found object assemblages that hung from the ceiling and emitted sounds — and offered Anastasi the third show at her New York space.

From Los Angeles Times

Overhearing the occasional comment about what an abstract painting really looks like — or the sort of frustration a found object might stir — could do the art elite a bit of good.

From Washington Post

They fit in well with Philadelphia’s collection, evoking at once Duchamp’s devotion to the found object and Cézanne’s obsession with process.

From New York Times

Related Words

• found art
• objet trouvé