Beverly Pepper, Maquette for Excalibur, 1975, welded steel on plexiglas base, 16 3⁄8 x 32 3⁄4 x 21 1⁄2 in. (41.5 x 83.1 x 54.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program, 1979.159.17
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Artwork Details
- Title
- Maquette for Excalibur
- Artist
- Date
- 1975
- Location
- Not on view
- Dimensions
- 16 3⁄8 x 32 3⁄4 x 21 1⁄2 in. (41.5 x 83.1 x 54.5 cm)
- Credit Line
- Transfer from the General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program
- Mediums Description
- welded steel on plexiglas base
- Subjects
- Abstract
- Study — sculpture model
- Object Number
- 1979.159.17
Artwork Description
For her sculpture at the San Diego federal buildings, Beverly Pepper produced a model of the building façades to study how her design would interact with people and with the architectural environment. Hoping to draw people into the plaza, Pepper designed Excalibur to be seen not only from ground level, but also from overhead windows and by passing cars. Although Excalibur was an instant sensation in San Diego after its installation in 1976, some viewers felt that the price was excessive and that the sculpture looked “ready to be launched into space.” The completed sculpture measures 40 by 32 by 60 feet.