Enlivened with swirling lines and bold colors, this stunning tapestry instantly captures the viewer's attention. This piece was created to celebrate the American Revolution Bicentennial and is appropriately colored in red, white, and blue with hints of black. Though simple in composition, the viewer is hypnotized by the spiraling form to the left that appears as if twisting in upon itself, creating a sense of motion. This spiral is complemented by a large circular blot of blue to the right that relays the impression of stillness and calm.

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 wool, hand-woven tapestry is hand signed by Alexander Calder (Pennsylvania, 1898 - New York, 1976) with his initials 'CA' on the label on verso, also with his signature woven in the lower right in black. The Atelier Pinton Frères (PF) symbol is also woven in black in the lower right beneath the signature. A Pinton Frères label on the verso states 'D'apres Le Carton De Calder Tapisserie D'aubusson Tissee Dar Les Ateliers Pinton Copyright Alexander Calder 1975.'According to the Calder Foundation, very few of these were created.

Collection of the Philip & Muriel Berman Foundation

Documentation:

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.