Alexander Calder

Biography

Alexander Calder: Master of Modern Sculpture and Aubusson Tapestry

Alexander Calder (1898 – 1976): A Pioneer of Modern Art

Alexander Calder is one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, celebrated for his innovative sculptures and kinetic works that revolutionized modern sculpture. Born in 1898 in Lawnton, Pennsylvania, Calder demonstrated great dexterity and a passion for mechanical objects from a young age. After studying mechanical engineering, he turned to art in 1923, quickly developing a distinctive sculptural style centered around movement. His mobiles, light and colorful structures set in motion by air, embody a poetic balance and a break from the heavy, imposing forms typical of the time.

A Turning Point with Aubusson Tapestries

In addition to his sculptural works, Calder had a profound impact on the world of modern tapestry. In the 1950s, he discovered the Aubusson workshops, a renowned institution with centuries of expertise. Calder saw a new opportunity to translate his artistic vision, blending abstract shapes and vivid colors, into textile form. His collaboration with the Aubusson workshops, particularly with the Picaud and Pinton Frères weavers, resulted in the creation of exceptional tapestries. Using Australian wool dyed to his exact specifications, each piece required a month of meticulous work per square meter to faithfully reproduce his complex compositions.

Calder’s tapestries, mostly produced in the 1960s, are characterized by his signature graphic style: abstract geometric shapes, bold colors, and white backgrounds that evoke a sense of open space. He masterfully integrated his concepts from gouache and sculpture into the textile medium, adding a new dimension to his artistic repertoire.

A High-Level Artistic Collaboration

The process of creating Calder’s tapestries, though highly technical, allowed for great interpretative freedom by the weavers. As J. Lipman (1980) explains, “the forms are precisely followed, but the weavers improvise on textures and weaving variations, giving each piece a unique touch and artistic freshness.” This collaborative effort between Calder and the Aubusson artisans highlights the richness of this meeting between modernity and tradition.

The works resulting from this collaboration quickly gained international recognition. They were showcased in major retrospectives, including the Guggenheim in 1964, the Musée National d’Art Moderne in Paris in 1965, and were even the focus of a dedicated exhibition at the Whitney Museum in 1976.

Calder’s Legacy and the Reinvention of Modern Tapestry

Calder not only left his mark on the history of sculpture but also played a key role in the revival of tapestry, alongside figures such as Jean Lurçat, who revitalized the Aubusson workshops. Thanks to his vision and talent for movement and balance, Calder brought a contemporary approach to this ancient tradition. His tapestries, with their abstract and poetic forms, are now considered masterpieces of the 20th century, admired for their bold visual impact and technical subtlety.

Explore Calder’s Tapestry Collection

On our site, explore an exclusive selection of Aubusson tapestries designed by Alexander Calder—rare pieces in perfect condition, featuring vibrant colors and captivating abstract forms. These tapestries exemplify the fusion of modern sculpture and traditional textile art, offering a new perspective on the work of one of the greatest masters of modern art. Dive into the unique world of Alexander Calder and discover how he redefined the boundaries of art through his textile creations.