Alexander Calder, Face, 1976

Artist: Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976)
Title:Face, 1976
Medium:Hand-Woven Aubusson Tapestry
Image Size:DIMENSIONS: 65 in x 49 in (165.1 cm x 124.5 cm)
Edition:Woven numbering from the edition of 6 in black on the reverse, this piece is virtually unique due to the very small edition size; A Pinton Frères label on the reverse states 'D'APRES LE CARTON DE CALDER | TAPISSERIE D'AUBUSSON | TISEE PAR | LES ATELIERS | PINTON.'
Signature:Woven 'Calder' signature in black in the lower right as well as the woven Pinton Frères PF monogram.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-4572

Historical Description

The vibrant red of the sun and its rays contrasts nicely with the robust black of the moon's profile. Their features become conjoined in the center to create a seemingly symmetrical composition echoing the famed ancient Chinese symbol of the Yin and Yang. As polar opposites, the sun is depicted with a beaming smile and a softened expression - the moon, in contrast, features an altogether different look, with a slight sneer. Together, however, they play off each other well in terms of both composition and symbolism: the warm sun being cooled by the quenching moon, light balancing dark, and heat offset by the cold.

This hand woven tapestry is signed 'Calder' with a woven signature in black in the lower right. This work is virtually unique due to the very small edition size. It is numbered from the edition of 6 on verso, woven in black; also with a Pinton Frères label on the reverse that states 'D'APRES LE CARTON DE CALDER | TAPISSERIE D'AUBUSSON | TISEE PAR | LES ATELIERS | PINTON.'

Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
This work is fully documented and referenced in the below catalogue raisonnés and texts (copies will be enclosed as added documentation with the invoices that will accompany the final sale of the work).

1. Lipman, J. (1980). Calder's Universe. Wolfe, R. (Ed.). Harrison House: New York. A detailed chapter, "Tapestries and Rugs" mentions Calder's textiles and his technique on pgs. 157-169.

2. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany this work.