Hair Comb

Copied Alexander Calder, Hair Comb, n.d., gilded brass, 11 3⁄8 x 7 x 1 1⁄2 in. (28.9 x 17.8 x 3.9 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Calder, 1968.7.4

Artwork Details

Title
Hair Comb
Artist
Date
n.d.
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
11 3⁄8 x 7 x 1 1⁄2 in. (28.9 x 17.8 x 3.9 cm)
Markings
upper left of comb near third spiral from left engraved: (artist's monogram)
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Calder
Mediums
Mediums Description
gilded brass
Classifications
Keywords
  • Object — flower
Object Number
1968.7.4
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.7.4

Artwork Description

Alexander Calder made numerous pieces of jewelry throughout his career, including an engagement ring for his wife, Louisa. He was one of the first artist-jewelers to experiment with ordinary metals and stones during the 1930s, and would often include copper wire, glass, or leather in his spiraling designs.

Luce Object Quote

“The sun shone on [Calder’s] life. What he seemed to want most was to see or hear something delightful . . . His hands were so deft and unhesitatingly sure. He seemed more like someone at play than an artist.” Arthur Miller, playwright, Smithsonian 32, May 2001