Necklace

Object Details

Artist

Alexander Calder, born Lawnton, PA 1898-died New York City 1976

Luce Center Label

As a child, Alexander Calder made his first piece of jewelry for his sister's dolls. He continued to experiment with jewelry throughout his career, even after gaining international recognition for his whimsical mobiles and stabiles. Calder made most of his jewelry for his family and close friends and often gave his pieces as gifts. His wife, Louisa, was the main recipient of his creations. Necklace resembles a piece he made for her in 1940. All of Calder's jewelry was constructed from multiple pieces of hammered brass or iron, and he used the spiral design repeatedly. Calder refused to sell his jewelry commercially, for he wanted each wearer to know that his or her piece was made by the artist's hands alone.

Credit Line

Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Calder

n.d.

Object number

1968.7.2

Restrictions & Rights

Usage conditions apply

Type

Decorative Arts-Jewelry

Medium

brass

Dimensions

2 1/2 x 11 1/8 x 12 7/8 in. (6.4 x 28.3 x 32.7 cm.) oval

See more items in

Smithsonian American Art Museum Collection

Department

Decorative Arts

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Topic

Dress\accessory\jewelry

Record ID

saam_1968.7.2

Metadata Usage (text)

Not determined

GUID (Link to Original Record)

http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/vk752065ade-c203-483f-b607-519ad29d0f46