Two Systems

c.1946
(American, 1898–1976)
Overall: 45.8 x 160 x 198 cm (18 1/16 x 63 x 77 15/16 in.)
© Estate of Alexander Calder / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
This artwork is known to be under copyright.

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Did You Know?

The donor of this work was a member of the French Resistance during the Second World War (1939–45) and helped save the lives of many Jews.

Description

Calder’s training as a mechanical engineer reinforced his lifelong interest in moving objects and inspired him to invent the mobile, a new type of sculpture that ranks among the most innovative discoveries in modern art. Often suspended from the ceiling and set in motion by currents of air as in the case here, Calder’s mobiles slowly revolve as if approximating the behavior of planetary systems.
Two Systems

Two Systems

c.1946

Alexander Calder

(American, 1898–1976)
America, 20th century

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