Lot Essay
In December 1944, Agnes Rindge, Head of the Art Department at Vassar College, complained to her good friend Sandy Calder that she had nothing to wear to the annual Christmas party which she hosted for her students and faculty. Calder told her not to worry, that he would send her something "appropriate" to wear.
Soon after their conversation, a package arrived with the Fire Proof Veil enclosed. The wrapping included a drawing by Calder of how the work was intended to be worn. Fire Proof Veil is part headdress or veil, and part mobile, and is worn with the attached yarn tied to the back of the head.
The letters A, R, V, C, P, N and Y hang in the front of the headdress creating a metal, and hence fire proof, veil. Calder's shorthand stands for "Agnes Rindge, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York." Of course, the A and C at the top of the headdress could also refer to Alexander Calder himself.
Soon after their conversation, a package arrived with the Fire Proof Veil enclosed. The wrapping included a drawing by Calder of how the work was intended to be worn. Fire Proof Veil is part headdress or veil, and part mobile, and is worn with the attached yarn tied to the back of the head.
The letters A, R, V, C, P, N and Y hang in the front of the headdress creating a metal, and hence fire proof, veil. Calder's shorthand stands for "Agnes Rindge, Vassar College, Poughkeepsie, New York." Of course, the A and C at the top of the headdress could also refer to Alexander Calder himself.