Necklace

Alexander Calder, Necklace, n.d., brass, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Calder, 1968.7.2
Copied Alexander Calder, Necklace, n.d., brass, 2 1⁄2 x 11 1⁄8 x 12 7⁄8 in. (6.4 x 28.3 x 32.7 cm.) oval, Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Calder, 1968.7.2

Artwork Details

Title
Necklace
Artist
Date
n.d.
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
2 1⁄2 x 11 1⁄8 x 12 7⁄8 in. (6.4 x 28.3 x 32.7 cm.) oval
Credit Line
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Calder
Mediums
Mediums Description
brass
Classifications
Subjects
  • Dress — accessory — jewelry
Object Number
1968.7.2
Linked Open Data
https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/1968.7.2

Artwork Description

As a child, Alexander Calder made his first piece of jewelry for his sister's dolls. He continued to experiment with jewelry throughout his career, even after gaining international recognition for his whimsical mobiles and stabiles. Calder made most of his jewelry for his family and close friends and often gave his pieces as gifts. His wife, Louisa, was the main recipient of his creations. Necklace resembles a piece he made for her in 1940. All of Calder's jewelry was constructed from multiple pieces of hammered brass or iron, and he used the spiral design repeatedly. Calder refused to sell his jewelry commercially, for he wanted each wearer to know that his or her piece was made by the artist's hands alone.