Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Untitled

Description:

Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976)

Untitled
Signed and dated "Calder 66" l.r.
Gouache and ink on paper, 30 3/8 x 22 3/4 in. (77.2 x 57.8 cm),framed.
Condition: Toning, handling creases, incomplete pigment coverage which is presumed to be original to the work.

Provenance: Purchased from the artist in 1966 by Joseph H. Hirshhorn (American, 1899-1981),financier, philanthropist, and benefactor of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC; then by descent in the Hirshhorn family.

N.B. This work is registered in the archives of the Calder Foundation, New York, under application number A28837.

The lot is accompanied by a photocopy of a 1978 typed letter from Joseph H. Hirshhorn on his 820 Park Avenue, New York, letterhead, confirming his purchase of this gouache from Alexander Calder in 1966, when Hirshhorn visited the artist in Saché, France. Documentation presented by family descendants describes the work as View from Satellite, the title believed to have been provided by Alexander Calder to Joseph H. Hirshhorn at the time of purchase, but which is not documented elsewhere.
Estimate $15,000-20,000

On French paper with unidentified watermark: L L F - followed by three flowers that look like 5-petal daisies with short curved stems.

The handling creases are subtle but visible in the lower center edge of the sheet. Toning is also very subtle, but when the work if out of its frame, one can see the very slight color change along the bottom edge where the paper has been protected from light by the edge of the frame. There is also a very shallow scratch to the surface on the upper left side of the orange rectangle, visible only in raking light when the work is unframed.

Frame dimensions are 31 1/2 x 23 3/4 inches.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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