Alexander Calder (1898-1976) created his first “mobiles” in the early 1930s. Using an ingenious system of weights and counterbalances, he eventually designed construction that moved freely when suspended, powered only by slight air currents. The work he created for the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, Untitled (1976), is a prime example of this kind of construction. In 1972, when the East Building was under construction, the artist was asked to create a large mobile that would complement the monumental atrium of the large building.
Originally planned in steel, the sculpture would have been too heavy when enlarged to function as the artist intended. At Calder’s request, Paul Matisse transformed the design into an aluminum construction that retained the look and dynamism of the steel construction with a more enjoyable weight. The sculpture was installed on November 18, 1977, one year after Calder died; it was his last major work of art. The monumental mobile is a feat of engineering—being lightweight, extremely strong, and capable of being moved by air currents. Weighing 920 pounds, it consists of thirteen panels and thirteen arms constructed of aluminum honeycomb and aluminum and steel bars.
Set of Two Magnets: A photograph of Untitled, 1976, hanging in the East Building of the National Gallery of Art, Washington; A drawing inspired by Untitled, 1976.
Each magnet is 2 x 3 inches.
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