Lot 403
  • 403

Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976)

Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 USD
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Description

  • Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976)
  • The Bicycle Act, 1931
  • gouache and ink on paper
  • Sheet: 19 1/2 by 25 1/2 in. (49.5 by 64.8 cm.); Framed: 22 1/4 by 28 1/4 in. (56.5 by 71.8 cm.)
  • Executed in 1931, this work is registered in the archives of the Calder Foundation, New York, under application number 'A08391'.
gouache and ink on paper; signed and dated ''31' 

Provenance

Perls Gallery, New York
Acquired from the above by the present owner 'circa' 1970

Condition

This work is in very good condition overall. The sheet is hinged intermittently along the reverse to the backing board. There is a slight undulation to the sheet, predominantly visible by the right vertical edge. There is minor time staining to the sheet. There are two very minor losses to the lower edge of the sheet, a minor tear to the lower right vertical edge and to the middle left vertical edge, each visible upon close inspection. There are two vertical creases to the center of the sheet and one to the left vertical edge. There is a faint area of discoloration to the upper left corner from past hinging. Framed under glass.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Sotheby's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Sotheby's. For that reason, Sotheby's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot.

Catalogue Note

Alexander Calder's whimsical gouache, 'The Bicycle Act,' presents an intimate view into the artist's fascination with the circus.  This interest culminated in the iconic 'Cirque Calder,' also executed in 1931, currently in the collection of the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York.  Calder staged full performances of his circus in Paris, accompanied by music, lighting, and audience participation from notable artists of the day, including Piet Mondrian, Joan MirĂ³, and Marcel Duchamp.