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Lot Essay
This work is registered in the archives of the Calder Foundation, New York, under application number A15016.
The concept of the mobile was born from Calder's desire to put two-dimensional art into motion. By combining biomorphic shapes, planar elements with simple wire constructions, Calder helped to liberate sculpture from its fixed pedestal setting.
As in the present sculpture, the cosmos provided the best inspiration for Calder. He stated, "Since the beginning of my work in abstract art, and even though it was not obvious at that time, I felt that there was no better model for me to work from than the Universe. Spheres of different sizes, densities, colors and volumes, floating in space, surrounded by vivid clouds and tides, currents of air, viscosities and fragrances - in their utmost variety and disparity." (Calder quoted in Calder: Gravity and Grace, ed. C. Giménez and A.S.C. Rower, London 2004, p. 52)
Blue Crescent was made in 1949 by Calder for Nelson A. Rockefeller. It has remained in his family ever since.
The concept of the mobile was born from Calder's desire to put two-dimensional art into motion. By combining biomorphic shapes, planar elements with simple wire constructions, Calder helped to liberate sculpture from its fixed pedestal setting.
As in the present sculpture, the cosmos provided the best inspiration for Calder. He stated, "Since the beginning of my work in abstract art, and even though it was not obvious at that time, I felt that there was no better model for me to work from than the Universe. Spheres of different sizes, densities, colors and volumes, floating in space, surrounded by vivid clouds and tides, currents of air, viscosities and fragrances - in their utmost variety and disparity." (Calder quoted in Calder: Gravity and Grace, ed. C. Giménez and A.S.C. Rower, London 2004, p. 52)
Blue Crescent was made in 1949 by Calder for Nelson A. Rockefeller. It has remained in his family ever since.