African Scene
22 7/8 x 30 3/4 inches eachAfrican Scene, 1966
paper: 22 7/8 x 30 3/4 inches
frame: 24 x 32 inches
signed and dated lower right 'Calder 66'
With Perls Galleries label No. 7747 verso
This work is registered in the archives of the Calder Foundation, New York, under application number A05112.
Provenance
Perls Galleries, New York
Louise Ferrari, Houston
Private collection, Houston
Anon. sale; Christie's, New York,November 9, 1979, Lot 22
The Arthur and Anita Kahn Collection: A New York Story, Christie's, New York, August 14, 2015, Lot 160
Private Collection, New York
Additional Photos
Signature & Date lower right
In the early part of the 20th Century, the appreciation of ethnographic objects across Europe and North America impacted the International avant-garde, particularly Surrealist Artists in various ways. In 1928 while living in New York, Alexander Calder started carving sculptures out of tropical woods, a technique influenced by his appreciation of African and Pre-Columbian art.
ALEXANDER CALDER: THE INFLUENCE OF AFRICAN & OCEANIC ART
In the early part of the 20th Century, numerous Artists in North American and Europe recognized an appreciation of ethnographic objects which impacted the avant-garde, particularly Surrealist artists. While living in New York in 1928 Alexander Calder began carving sculptures out of tropical woods, a technique influenced by African and Pre-Columbian Art. Like Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse and André Breton, Alexander Calder was also an avid collector of African and Oceanic objects. At home Alexander Calder displayed his own artwork in context with his collection of African and Oceanic objects.
In 1945, Alexander Calder began showcasing his series of gouache works on paper at the renowned Kootz Gallery. Alexander Calder’s series of gouaches quickly gained popularity, earning acclaim from both the public and critics, who saw Calder as a potential rival to Klee and Miró. Calder's gouaches captured a sense of playfulness and humor—qualities that Calder upheld throughout his career, often reinterpreting his iconic visual vocabulary in innovative ways.
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H. Hirshhorn, 1966
Collection The National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC
Alexander Calder African Scene, 1966 is unique like all works created by the Artist. African Scene reflects Calder’s deep appreciation for African and Oceanic art. Similar gouaches influenced by African themes are included in several museum collections, including The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., Saatchi Gallery, London, The Museum of Modern Art, New York and Grand Rapids Art Museum, Michigan.
African Scene, 1966 by Alexander Calder marks a significant moment in his artistic journey; this unique ink on on paper drawing showcases Calder's fascination with family and African art.
Calder's eclectic taste is evident in his personal collection, which included objects from African, Oceanic and Pre-Columbian cultures. In African Scene, Calder blends African iconography with a whimsical touch, featuring exaggerated portrayals of nude male and female figures, each holding different objects—a cart and an umbrella.
Inspired by African tribal art, #AlexanderCalder 1945 small gouache fetches $162,500 at #FreemansAuction, exceeding $50,000-$80,000 pre-sale estimate. https://t.co/tbPH9wijn8 pic.twitter.com/WXMwSB4W9N
— Joseph K. Levene Fine Art, Ltd. (@JKLFA) November 17, 2020