Alexander Calder, Les Vagues (The Waves), 1975 |
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| Artist: | Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976) |
|---|---|
| Title: | Les Vagues (The Waves), 1975 |
| Medium: | Hand-Woven 100% Wool Calder Tapestry |
| Image Size: | 59 1/4 in x 40 in (150.5 cm x 101.6 cm) |
| Signature: | Hand woven 'Calder' in black in lower right recto just above the Pinton Frères (PF) monogram symbol |
| ID # | w-2172 |
Created in 1975, this 100% wool, hand-woven tapestry is based on an original work by Alexander Calder (1898 – 1976). Catalogued and registered by the Calder Foundation, NY with archive no. A10076.004 as edition no. 4 out of 200 from the Revolution Series.
Having published a number of his works through the atelier Aubusson, these tapestries became a highly coveted and well known medium through which to admire Calder’s creations. Les Vagues features Calder’s signature in black, woven in the lower right just above the Atelier Pinton Frères (PF) symbol. A label has been basted into the verso of the tapestry in the lower left, detailing its dimensions and its origins at the Tapisserie d’Aubusson and the Atelier Pinton; Alexander Calder’s handwritten initials (AC) also appears on the label.
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).
Catalogue Raisonné & COA:
It 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. Catalogued and registered by the Calder Foundation, NY with archive no. A10076.004.
3. A Masterworks COA will be included with the sale of this work.
