Lot 3420 - A213 Post-War & Contemporary - Thursday, 26. June 2025, 03.00 PM
ALEXANDER CALDER
(Lawnton 1898–1976 New York)
Untitled. 1970.
Gouache and ink on paper.
Signed and dated lower right: Calder 70.
107.5 × 74.3 cm.
Provenance:
- Private collection, acquired at the above auction.
- Private collection, Switzerland, acquired ca. 1980.
- Private collection, Switzerland, received from the previous owner in 1992.
Alexander Calder, known throughout the world for his kinetic sculptures and mobiles, turned increasingly to the two-dimensional format in the last years of his life, namely works on paper. The works from the 1970s occupy a special place within his oeuvre. They are neither mere by-products of his sculptural practice nor simple designs, but independent artistic positions that translate the spirit of his mobile art onto paper.
Calder's works on paper reveal that his exploration of movement is not necessarily dependent on mechanical mobility. Instead, the flowing forms, the rhythmic use of colour and line and the often asymmetrical balance suggest an imagined movement. The dynamic compositions are reminiscent of the structure of his mobiles - they look like frozen moments in a continuous dance.
The gestural character of many of the works is particularly striking, as is the case with the present work from 1970: with gouache and ink Calder creates organic forms, curved lines, spirals and radiant areas of colour on paper. This work exudes a strong sense of immediacy, a sign of Calder's increasing interest in a direct, almost improvisational way of working.
What also makes this work on paper by Calder so remarkable is its freedom - in both an artistic and gestural sense. It appears less structured than many of his earlier works - almost playful. It is therefore in keeping with the increasing lightness that characterises his late work as a whole. At a time when the art world was increasingly concerned with conceptual and political issues, Calder made a conscious statement in favour of the power of form, colour and the joy of creating.
Calder's works on paper reveal that his exploration of movement is not necessarily dependent on mechanical mobility. Instead, the flowing forms, the rhythmic use of colour and line and the often asymmetrical balance suggest an imagined movement. The dynamic compositions are reminiscent of the structure of his mobiles - they look like frozen moments in a continuous dance.
The gestural character of many of the works is particularly striking, as is the case with the present work from 1970: with gouache and ink Calder creates organic forms, curved lines, spirals and radiant areas of colour on paper. This work exudes a strong sense of immediacy, a sign of Calder's increasing interest in a direct, almost improvisational way of working.
What also makes this work on paper by Calder so remarkable is its freedom - in both an artistic and gestural sense. It appears less structured than many of his earlier works - almost playful. It is therefore in keeping with the increasing lightness that characterises his late work as a whole. At a time when the art world was increasingly concerned with conceptual and political issues, Calder made a conscious statement in favour of the power of form, colour and the joy of creating.
CHF 40 000 / 60 000 | (€ 41 240 / 61 860)
Sold for CHF 62 500 (including buyer’s premium)
All information is subject to change.