Lot 40
Calder, Alexander / Archive (1898-1976). Abstract artist widely known for his colorful, and fanciful mobiles. Hailing from a long line of artists, a young Calder decided to break family tradition and pursue engineering. He quickly found his way back to the family trade, and began working as a commercial artist. As inspired by the circus, Calder was the first artist to actually make sculpture move, hence his creations were named "mobiles." Not limited to drawing or sculpting, Calder also produced toys, jewelry, tapestries and countless other creations.
Amazing archive of 18 letters written by Calder ("Sandy") to his friend Oscar Nitzschke. In French. Dates in the early 1960s, some mailed from France, others in the United States (most notably Painter Hill Road in Roxbury CT). Many transmittal envelopes included (one illustrated with Calder red, blue and yellow). Conditions vary, many of the envelopes have come unglued but the letters remain in good to very good condition. Translations included.
Topics of these wonderful letters include the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Calder's health, painting and travel. An example "Dear Oscar, First of all, I told myself 'Well, the Museum of Modern Art bought himself or herself A good artist!' but finally I saw your name, that you had carefully only half erased. It is very nice. And I thank you! Louisa and I are just getting back from spending 3 days in Roche Jaune -- where the weather was very nice…And there we saw Riton and Andre and Albert and Riton told us that you were 'painting' -- Bravo!!! While I am thinking about it -- do you know Leonard Scheer I saw him two years ago and he wrote to me recently…We would love to see you here, and I think you would like the setting…If you ever have pictures of your work I would love to have some. Here, I have a workshop and a barn and I am working rather hard…Tomorrow it is the trial of Diego Masson -- accused of having helped the FLN!…" Truly, an intimate look at a great artist.
Estimated Value $3,500 - 4,500.
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