Alexander Calder, Araignée rouge (Red Spider) |
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| Artist: | Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976) |
|---|---|
| Title: | Araignée rouge (Red Spider) |
| Medium: | Hand-Woven 100% Wool Tapestry |
| Image Size: | 82 in x 58 1/2 in (208.3 cm x 148.5 cm) |
| Signature: | Woven signature in black on the verso, 'CALDER' in the upper right |
| ID # | w-2401 |
Created in c. 1960, this 100% wool Alexander Calder Araignée rouge (Red Spider), hand-woven tapestry is manufactured by Modern Masters Tapestries, Inc. whose design was on one of two examples by Calder that were created and overseen by Calder’s wife. This work is from the edition of 8.
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).
Illustrated In:
1. Lipman, J. (1976). Calder’s Universe. Harrison House: NY. Listed and illustrated on pg. 160.
2. Museum of Modern Art (1965). An Exhibition of Contemporary French Tapestries. Charles E. Slatkin Inc., Galleries: NY. Listed and illustrated on pg. 11.
