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
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artist:Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976) American
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title:The Spider
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date created:About 1935 - 1937
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materials:Metal, painted
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measurements:104.00 x 89.00 x 0.70 cm (installed size); 121.90 x 118.00 x 2.50 cm (framed size)
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1976
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accession number:GMA 1586
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gallery:
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subject:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Alexander Calder
Alexander Calder
Born in Pennsylvania, Calder was the son of a successful sculptor. After graduating in mechanical engineering in 1919, he studied painting at the Art Students League, New York, from 1923 to 1926. The students made a game of sketching people on the streets and the subway. Calder was able to convey...