Model of Marcel Duchamp's Bottle Rack

As an unaltered, selected item, this is the first "pure" example of the Readymade concept, created by Duchamp in 1914
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updated June 28, 2026

Description

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This free small-scale model is one of the collection Prêt à Faire: Printable Readymade Models

If you'd like a highly detailed full-scale version, visit my store at 

1 | Concept & Provenance

Unlike the Bicycle Wheel that preceded it, the Bottle Rack by Marcel Duchamp was quite simply selected and signed by the artist in 1914. Thus, it represents a purer manifestation of the Readymade concept.

Like most of the other Readymades, it was lost, but many replicas exist. This model listing features two of those:

  • A version at the Philadelphia Museum of Art from 1961

  • The Schwarz Milan edition of 1964, found in several museums and collections worldwide.

Find out more about this work at:

Sample images of selected replicas:

Philadelphia
1961 replica

Norton Simon Museum
1964 replica

Private collection
1921 replica

The model differs from the Philadelphia replica wherever necessary to optimize it for multi-material FDM 3D printing. It is created at the full size of the original and must be scaled to print as noted below.

This work aligns with other artists who have appropriated or interpreted this work. André Raffray created a shadow in graphite, while Ola Korbańska's deconstruction reconfigures its elements, and Jeff Koons repurposed it as a pedestal for a gazing ball.

André Raffray, Shadow of the “Bottle Rack” by Marcel Duchamp, 1993

Ola Korbańska, 6 CIRCLES / 4 LINES / 50 'L', 2016

Jeff Koons, Gazing Ball, 2016

2 | Scope & Scale

The model differs from the 1964 edition ONLY where necessary to optimize for FDM printing, assembly, and durability:

  • It is designed to be printed at full scale.

  • Changing scale is not recommended, as it will compromise tolerances, bearing fits, and structural behavior.

  • Many parts require a large-format printer such as a Prusa XL.

  • An amazing full-scale version for serious makers is available at this link.

3 | Printing Notes

There are many versions of the model for printing, as follows:

  • Philadelphia 1961 edition:

    • Pre-assembled. This single model can be printed at up to 60% of the original size on a Prusa XL using organic support, as seen in the images.

    • Elements to assemble. There is much less need for support for this version. Another advantage is a larger range of possible scaling. On an XL, we can print from 75% down to 50%. On an MK4, we can print from 50% to about 30%. I do not recommend printing smaller than that.

  • Schwarz Milan 1964 edition:

    • Pre-assembled. This can be printed at between 40% to 60% of the original size on a Prusa XL with organic support, as in the images. I do not recommend printing smaller than that.

    • For the serious maker who prefers a full-scale version, the elements to assemble for this model are available in my store.

File Formats

  • [Model_Name].3mf / .stlBest for quick printing. Pre-meshed at a high resolution, these files will slice exactly as they appear in the smooth website preview.

  • [Model_Name].stepBest for remixing and maximum quality. These files contain precise CAD data. Note: Ignore the blocky look in the online browser viewer; it will download and slice with perfectly smooth mathematical curves inside your slicer.

If you are printing elements to assemble and you are not using the 3MF file, print in the following quantities:

  • Columns: 6

  • Rings 1, 2, 3, and 5: 1 of each

  • Ring 4 and 6: total of 2, one for Ring 4 and one for Ring 6

  • Long bolts: 6

  • Short bolts: 18

  • Bolt end caps: 24

Recommended material:

  • I used Prusament Galaxy Silver and Polymaker Panchroma Metallic Silver PLA for my illustrated prototypes to emulate the galvanized metal of the original.

My settings:

  • Print Settings: 0.15mm Structural

  • Filament: Prusament PLA

  • Printer: Prusa XL (for a 75% scale model)

  • Supports: Everywhere

  • Infill: 15%

  • Brim: None

  • Advanced settings:

    • Layers and perimeters: all defaults

    • Infill: Gyroid fill pattern, Concentric top and bottom fill pattern

    • Support material: Organic style

Stats for a 1961 edition 75% size print:

  • Total material used: ~180 grams

  • Total time: ~20 hours

  • Total number of build plates: 4

4 | Assembly Notes

  • I used slow-dry gel super glue to assemble. Use the images as a guide.

  • Make note of the long versus short bolts when assembling; the long bolts go at the overlap.

  • Starting with Ring 1, set the 4 columns vertically, and clamp them to allow the glue to set. Use a carpenter square or drafting triangle for alignment.

  • Take care to place ring 1 in the correct orientation: the direction of the overlap should match the images.

  • Work up Ring 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 in the same manner. The overlaps should align along the same column.

5 | Presentation Notes

Place the finished model on a table or pedestal at a comfortable viewing height.

6 | Change Log

28 JUN 2026: Major revisions:

  • Added the Schwarz edition model

  • Added a link to the full-scale Schwarz edition model in my store

  • Refined scale of the 1961 edition for compatibility with the Schwarz edition

  • Rebuilt 3MF files

  • Re-ordered parts listings for a better previewing experience. While the STEP files are mathematically precise, the browser renders them janky, so STL files are seen first.

2 DEC 2025: Included artist precedents.

22 NOV 2025: Re-wrote the description for clarity and consistent formatting across the Prêt à Faire collection.

20 NOV 2025: I added STEP files for those who wish to work with them.

9 NOV 2025: A fully finished, assembled print in Prusament Galaxy Silver now illustrates the work in the images. I included the 3MF file I used to print this on the Prusa XL.

1 NOV 2025: Long bolts, short bolts, and bolt caps have been revised for a better fit.

8 OCT 2025: I've printed a unique instance of one ring, a pair of columns, a pair of caps, and a unique instance of each bolt, to test for fit.

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Model origin

The author marked this model as their own original creation.

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