Alexander Calder

Herbert Matter, Zurich (gift of the artist)
By descent to the present owner

This piece is in very good condition overall. There is evidence of light wear to the string near the hook of the necklace and evidence of light wear and handling throughout. There are scattered bits of polishing residue in the crevices and evidence of light tarnishing as visible in the catalogue illustration.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Highlighting Alexander Calder’s distinctive spirals and sophisticated craftsmanship, the present work, Untitled (Necklace), is a testament to the importance of Calder’s jewelry as an intimate staple in his artistic career. Throughout Calder’s lifetime, he created more than 1,800 pieces of jewelry, each element thoughtfully composed and carefully constructed in a way that reflects his well-known sculptures.

Speaking of his jewelry, Calder stated, “Simplicity of equipment and an adventurous spirit in attacking the unfamiliar or unknown are apt to result in a primitive and vigorous art” (Alexander S.C. Rower and Holton Rower, Calder Jewelry, New York, 2007, p. 145). It is with precisely this attitude that Herbert Matter, the original owner of the ornament, celebrated Calder as an artist, a comrade and a contemporary.  Calder gifted the work to Mr. Matter, a photographer and filmmaker, who began directing the first color film about Calder’s work in the late 1940s. The movie, titled The Works of Calder, was created for the Museum of Modern Art and featured music composed by John Cage. This was Matter’s first cinematic pursuit, through which he captured Calder's adventurous spirit in attacking the unfamiliar, which he believed necessary in producing a truly dynamic art form.

Matter explored the connection between Calder’s work and the delicate rhythms in nature. At the time, the film was considered to be one of the most paramount interpretations of a contemporary artist's work portrayed in a motion picture. This response was attributed to Mr. Matter’s profound appreciation for Calder and his work. Considering the tight bond the two friends shared, it is no surprise that Mr. Matter was the proud owner of one of Calder's pieces of jewelry, and having since been passed down through Mr. Matter’s family, the necklace embraces the essence of vitality inspiring one artist to celebrate another.