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ARTIST: Alexander Calder (1898-1976)
TITLE: Circus
MEDIUM: Original Color Lithograph
IMAGE SIZE: 25 ½" x 37 ¾" (64.8 x 95.9 cm)
FRAMED SIZE: 53 ¼" x 41 ¼" (135.26cm x 104.78cm)
SIGNATURE: This work has a guaranteed authentic signature by Calder in pencil
in the lower right.
EDITION: Artist's Proof, noted 'E.A.' in the lower left.
CONDITION: This work is in excellent condition, a fine bold impression - the
colors are bright and fresh!
PRICE: $11,500
DISCUSSION:
Monumental in size and full of wonderfully playful imagery, Calder brings out
the child in all of us with this engaging look at the circus. Capturing the
viewer's attention with bold bright primary hues, this work expands on the artist's
usually minimal compositional style with a combination of figures and simple
lines and shapes.
Created c.1973-74, this original color lithograph is signed by Calder in pencil in the lower right and noted as an artist's proof 'E.A.' in the lower left. Printed on a heavy wove paper, this work is a fine impression with bright fresh colors. This work was also produced in an edition of 125 proofs.
Vibrantly opaque oranges, blues, yellows, peach and bold blacks dominate the center ring of this circus, which Calder illustrates in a dazzling spectacle. Alluring our senses with the bright colors and actively energetic forms, our eyes constantly move around the image, creating a stunningly interactive work. The strong vertical blue lines that arc across the image draw our attention down to the center ring, where all of the action is taking place. A ring leader snaps his whip at the center of the ring, as a bright orange horse gallops in a circle with his tail curling in the air and all four feet off the ground. To their left a playful clown engages the audience, arms outstretched in a polka-dotted orange and blue clown suit. To his left a ballerina dances toward the other figures, arms reaching up as though she may have just landed from the swing above. The trapeze artist swings over the rest of the group, in a graceful pose with a bright orange suit, appearing as though about to leap from his seat.
DOCUMENTATION / COA: It is fully
documented and referenced in (copies will be enclosed as added documentation
with the invoices that I will enclose with the sale of the work):
1) Carrie Secrist Gallery, Amused, Gallery Catalogue, 2001, an example from
the edition of 125 appears on pg 83.
ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Conservation framed with archival materials and museum quality, this work is
set in a modern, Spanish-style black and gold frame. The minimalist contemporary
style of the moulding compliments the bold lines and movement within this work.
The gold and black tones of the moulding enhance the contrast and vibrancy of
the colors in this piece. Completed with white, linen-wrapped mats and a matching
gold inner fillet, this work is set behind an archival