Cubism and Abstract Art Exhibition, installation photograph

United States customs inspectors initially refused duty-free admissions to 19 sculptures in the exhibition, rejecting the assertion that they were works of art. Sculptures by Alberto Giacometti, Hans Arp, Henri Laurens, Umberto Boccioni, and several other artists failed to represent human or animal forms, so they were originally classified as taxable building materials. A public battle ensued between the museum and govenment officials, the museum ultimately paid a large fee for the works to pass through customs.