Who was Marcel Duchamp and what were some of his famous sculptures and works of art?

Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968) was a French artist and one of the pioneers of the 20th century modern art movement. He is known for his conceptual art, which challenged traditional notions of art and influenced future generations of artists. Duchamp's work was often provocative and aimed to challenge the spectator's perception and understanding of art.

One of Duchamp's most famous works is his sculpture titled Fountain, which he created in 1917. The artwork was simply a urinal that he signed with the pseudonym 'R. Mutt' and submitted it for an exhibition of the Society of Independent Artists in New York. This work challenged the traditional definition of art, and the idea that anything could be considered art if it was presented as such.

Another famous work by Duchamp is Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2, which he created in 1912. The painting depicts a figure in motion, and its abstract style challenged traditional representational art. Duchamp also created other works that pushed the boundaries of what was considered art, such as The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even (The Large Glass) and L.H.O.O.Q.