Untitled (Standing Mobile / Acrobat Sculpture)
Kinetic sculpture • Attributed to the Circle or Manner of Alexander Calder
Style & Movement
Kinetic Art / Modernism / Abstract Sculpture
Medium & Technique
Steel wire, sheet metal, and welded joints with natural rusted patina
Creation Period
Mid-20th Century, c. 1940s-1950s
Dimensions & Format
Tabletop format, approximately 18 x 24 x 18 inches
Subject Description
Abstracted acrobatic or circus figures integrated into a balanced mobile structure, featuring minimalist wire-formed human shapes attached to pivoting rods supported by a tripod stand.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good condition with a stable, aged industrial patina and minor surface corrosion appropriate for the materials and age.
Estimated Market Value
5000 - 15000 USD (Pending official authentication by the Calder Foundation)
Auction Estimate
3000 - 8000 USD
Provenance History
Unknown private collection; likely acquired from a modernist gallery or through secondary estate channels.
Art Historical Significance
Reflects the massive cultural impact of Alexander Calder's invention of the mobile and his fascination with circus performers, though authentication is required to determine if it is an authentic work by the artist or a studio piece.
Notable Features
Delicate balance mechanism utilizing tripod support and welded wire human figures reminiscent of Calder's early wire sculptures and circus series.
Condition Issues
Natural oxidation/rusting of the steel surface; potential slight bending of delicate wire components from handling.
Conservation Recommendations
Gentle surface dusting with a soft brush; maintain stable indoor humidity levels to prevent further oxidation; display away from high-traffic areas to avoid physical distortion of the delicate wires.
Collector Notes
Alexander Calder