Sixteen Black with a Loop

1959

A monumental hanging mobile by Alexander Calder featuring sixteen black painted sheet metal elements suspended in graceful arcs by thin wire. This kinetic sculpture embodies Calder's pioneering innovation of the mobile form, with organic shapes balanced in delicate equilibrium that allows gentle movement with air currents. The bold black forms and elegant curved armature create a striking presence in space, characteristic of Calder's mature period.

Medium: Hanging mobile - painted sheet metal and wire

Notes

In 1945, David M. Solinger (1906-1996) returned to New York from the war in Europe and resumed his legal career. After a friend mentioned that he was taking painting classes at the Y, Solinger enrolled in a night course, then studied at the Art Students League. 'Painting wakes you up, he later said. 'Lawyers need this relaxation. Law is precise; it doesn't give the imagination much sway. That's where painting comes in." Throughout his life, Solinger also built a discerning collection, forged close ties with artists, dealers, and museums, and played a pivotal leadership role in transforming the Whitney into a major public institution. Nicolas de Staël, "Composition" (1951); Jean Dubuffet, "Chamelier" (1948); Joan Miró, "Femmes et oiseau devant le soleil" (1945); Alexander Calder, "Sixteen Black with a Loop" (1959); Joseph Cornell, "Trade Winds" (1956-58) - via Czude J McDonough