Alexander Calder, Two Moons

Artist: Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976)
Title:Two Moons
Medium:Hand-Woven Tapestry
Image Size:61 in x 41 3/4 in (154.9 cm x 106 cm)
Edition:Woven numbering '2/6' 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 signature in black 'Calder' in the star in the lower right.
Condition:This work is in excellent condition.
ID #w-3803

Historical Description

Two crescent moons, each with a distinct personality of its own, face each other in a star speckled night sky. Calder bestows uniquely human characteristics upon these moons; with their large, oval eyes, long noses, and pointed chins, they face each other as if engaged in conversation. According to J. Lipman (1980), "Calder's tapestries are closely related to his gouaches, but they are much larger and often more complex in design. As in all his work the compositions are deceptively casual and have the same playful element that enlivens even the most powerful of his abstractions. The tapestry medium - like lithography and large-scale sculpture - is an example of the successful collaboration with skilled craftsmen that has characterized Calder's later years. The weaver follows Calder's forms exactly but improvises to vary the weaves and textures in a free interpretation of the overall design. The tapestries are fresh works of art in their own right, blending the inventiveness of the artist with that of the weavers" (157).

This hand woven tapestry is signed 'Calder' with a woven signature in black in the star in the lower right. This work is virtually unique due to the very small edition size. It is numbered 2/6 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.