Alexander Calder

The Spider

previous next

About this artwork

This is among the earliest of Calder's hanging mobiles. Calder made frequent trips to Paris where he was friendly with the Surrealists. The poetic, floating forms of this mobile look like three-dimensional equivalents of Miró's paintings. It has been suggested that they have a source in scientific models of the planetary system. Arp's sculptures were also an influence on Calder. Due to his training as an engineer, Calder was well acquainted with the mechanical principles required to make his mobiles balance and move freely.

Updated before 2020

see media
  • artist:
    Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976) American
  • title:
    The Spider
  • date created:
    About 1935 - 1937
  • materials:
    Metal, painted
  • measurements:
    104.00 x 89.00 x 0.70 cm (installed size); 121.90 x 118.00 x 2.50 cm (framed size)
  • object type:
  • credit line:
    Purchased 1976
  • accession number:
    GMA 1586
  • gallery:
  • subject:
  • artwork photographed by:
    Antonia Reeve
Does this text contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? Tell us what you think.

Alexander Calder

Alexander Calder