Alexander Calder

Mary James Brown, Massachusetts (gift from the artist circa 1957)

William Slater Brown, Massachusetts (by decent 1987)

Private Collections, Massachusetts (by decent 1997)

Christies, New York, May 14, 2009, lot 215 (consigned by the above)

Acquired by the present owner from the above sale

This unique Pendant was gifted by the artist to his sister-in-law, Mary James, Louisa Calder’s sister. The spiral shape was a recurring theme in Alexander Calder’s brass, copper, silver, and gold creations. The strong appeal of artist jewelry is based on the uniqueness of the works and the intimate link with the artist that designed them. The originality of these works allows them to compete with more valuable but conventional jewels. Artist’s jewelry has the advantage of hidden value only understandable by those in the know.