Numbered One to Nine Artist: Alexander Calder (American, 1898–1976)

1967

American Paintings and Sculpture

Not on view


Alexander Calder explored the fundamental principles of art, including both color and geometry. Circles, in particular, represented what Calder called the "ideal source of form." Irregular ovals of golden yellow and pure black crown opposite sides of this work, one of his many mobiles—constellations of colored shapes and wire that earned him international fame—calling to mind a contrast of sun and moon. In describing this work, the artist recalled the lasting impression of a blazing sunrise and full moon he had seen on each end of the horizon while aboard a ship, a memory that this mobile subtly evokes.

Medium

Painted sheet metal and wire

Dimensions

112 in., 18.5 lb. (284.48 cm, 8.39 kg)

Credit Line

Charles B. Benenson, B.A. 1933, Collection

Accession Number

2006.52.54a-h

Geography

Probably made in Tours, France

Culture

American

Period

20th century

Classification

Sculpture

Disclaimer

Note: This electronic record was created from historic documentation that does not necessarily reflect the Yale University Art Gallery’s complete or current knowledge about the object. Review and updating of records is ongoing.

Bibliography

  • "Acquisitions, July 1, 2006–June 30, 2007," Yale University Art Gallery Bulletin (2007): 193, ill.

Object copyright
Copyright Alexander Calder Foundation
In Copyright
Additional information

Object/Work type

abstract (general art genre), installations (sculpture), nonrepresentational art, sculpture

Subject

Nature geometric shapes machines movement (compositional concept) red rhythm shapes

Technical metadata and APIs

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