Maquette for Excalibur

Copied Beverly Pepper, Maquette for Excalibur, 1975, welded steel on plexiglas base, 16 3832 3421 12 in. (41.583.154.5 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Transfer from the General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program, 1979.159.17

Artwork Details

Title
Maquette for Excalibur
Date
1975
Location
Not on view
Dimensions
16 3832 3421 12 in. (41.583.154.5 cm)
Credit Line
Transfer from the General Services Administration, Art-in-Architecture Program
Mediums Description
welded steel on plexiglas base
Classifications
Keywords
  • 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.