Spy Decoder Ring

Barbara Walter, Spy Decoder Ring, 1995, sterling silver with plastic, 1 ⁵⁄₈ x 1 ¹⁄₄ x ⁵⁄₈ in. (4.1 x 3.2 x 1.6 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Sylvia and Eric Elsesser, 2002.72.4A-E

Artwork Details

Title: Spy Decoder Ring
Artist: Barbara Walter
Date: 1995
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 1 ⁵⁄₈ x 1 ¹⁄₄ x ⁵⁄₈ in. (4.1 x 3.2 x 1.6 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Sylvia and Eric Elsesser
Mediums: plastic
silver
Mediums Description: sterling silver with plastic
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Subjects: Dress — accessory — hat
Object — other — luggage
Occupation — crime — spy
Figure group
Object Number: 2002.72.4A-E
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2002.72.4A-E

Artwork Description

Spy Decoder Ring recalls the plastic decoder rings that once came in cereal boxes. Here the artist plays with the notion of espionage as a romantic childhood fantasy. If the author and the recipient of the encoded message have the same cipher, or code, each may translate the written text into understandable phrases. The four figures on the ring function as handles to move the alphabet around, but, dressed in business clothes, they also call to mind the spies who blend in with ordinary citizens.