Welcome back to the Modern Masters Tapestries blog! I’m always so excited to dive into the stories behind the art we cherish, and today, we’re shining a spotlight on a true titan of 20th-century art: Alexander Calder (1899-1976). You probably know him best for his groundbreaking “mobiles”—those mesmerizing kinetic sculptures that literally brought movement to art. But here’s a fun fact: Calder’s boundless creativity wasn’t confined to just mobiles! He was a true artistic explorer, dabbling in everything from wire sculptures and paintings to jewelry and, yes, even textiles. And among his vast and varied creations, “The Bicentennial Tapestries” series holds a particularly special place in my heart.
Imagine this: It’s 1975, just a year before Calder’s passing, and he’s embarking on this monumental series of six distinct designs. The goal? To celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the American Revolution. These aren’t just any tapestries; they’re vibrant, handwoven masterpieces crafted from wool, and sometimes silk, by the legendary Atelier Pinton Frères in Aubusson, France. Something significant about this series vs. other tapestry series, is that they were originally planned for a massive edition of 200 sets—a huge deal, especially since French law usually limits Aubusson tapestries to just six editions. But, as history often goes, only about 37 to 45 sets ever actually saw the light of day. This makes each one of these pieces incredibly rare and, frankly, a treasure to behold.
A Nation’s Moment: The Bicentennial Buzz
Picture the mid-1970s in America. The Vietnam War had just ended, and the country was ready for a moment of collective cheer. The upcoming 1976 Bicentennial was this huge wave of patriotism and nostalgia, sparking celebrations everywhere and even a cool revival of traditional American crafts. Think grand parades, dazzling fireworks, and that iconic Bicentennial logo—a five-pointed star wrapped in red, white, and blue “bunting”—popping up on everything.
So, when Calder took on this commission, it was right in the thick of this national excitement. But here’s where it gets really interesting: Calder himself had a pretty complex view on patriotism. He was actually quite vocal in his opposition to the American government during the Cold and Vietnam wars, even getting investigated during the McCarthy era. He famously said, “I don’t have much patriotism. There’s nothing to be patriotic about. Trying to get your country to do what you think is right, that’s what I would consider patriotism”. So, for him to take on such a visibly patriotic project? It makes you wonder, doesn’t it? Perhaps these tapestries weren’t about blind allegiance, but rather Calder’s own abstract take on the “American spirit”—full of energy, audacity, and a forward-thinking vibe. It adds such a fascinating layer to these works!
The Magic of Collaboration: Calder Meets Aubusson
The series features six distinct designs, each with its own charm: La Poire, Le Fromage, et Le Serpent, Trois Spirales, Les Vagues, Le Sphere et Les Spirales, Les Palmiers, and La Tache Bleue. What I love is how each one subtly weaves in forms or colors that hint at the American flag, blending Calder’s signature abstract style with that patriotic theme. A gallery owner in Vail, Colorado, put it perfectly back in 1975: “A close look shows symbols of America – the waves of the oceans, the defiant snake, the palm trees….but most of all in their color, their energizing spaces, their enthusiasm. They echo the spirit of America”.
These tapestries are consistently sized, usually around 40 x 59 inches (103 x 150 cm), which gives them a wonderful presence. Transforming Calder’s original two-dimensional gouache designs into these rich, textured tapestries was no small feat. It truly highlights the “successful collaboration with skilled craftsmen that has characterized Calder’s later years”. Atelier Pinton Frères, with its incredible history dating back to 1867 and its pivotal role in reviving the Aubusson tradition, was the ideal partner. The weavers, or lissiers, meticulously translated Calder’s “deceptively simple, oversized, color-blocked abstractions” into wool, and sometimes even silk, giving them “subtle depth and rich dimension”. Each square yard of these pieces takes approximately one month’s time to be woven – that’s dedication! And the weavers’ ability to “improvise to vary the weaves and textures in a free interpretation of the overall design” meant that even though these pieces are static, they still capture Calder’s signature sense of movement and dynamism.
Rarity and a Unique Market Story
Now, about their rarity: the Calder’s Bicentennial Tapestries have a truly unique story. Even though the French government made a “magnanimous gesture” by allowing 200 sets to be produced for the Bicentennial—far more than the usual six—only about 37 to 45 sets were ever actually made. This makes them incredibly scarce! But here’s the twist: this limited production can actually cause a bit of confusion in the art market. Some people might think all 200 were made, while others might mistakenly believe they’re part of the super-limited standard Aubusson edition. Still, their authenticity is rock-solid, thanks to Calder’s woven signature, the Atelier Pinton Frères monogram, and that crucial “bolduc” (a tapestry’s “passport”) on the back, detailing its provenance.
Today, “The Bicentennial Tapestries” are rightfully celebrated as a “significant work in Calder’s career” and a “powerful symbol of American identity and spirit”. You can find them in prestigious museum collections like the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) and The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens, often thanks to generous gifts. And of course, you can find a few of these designs here at Modern Masters Tapestries, where we’re proud to exhibit Calder’s celebration of the US. These works continue to captivate audiences, reminding us of Calder’s boundless creativity and his lasting impact on modern art. They’re a vibrant, nuanced, and truly timeless expression of American identity, and I’m so thrilled we could explore them together!
Where to See Alexander Calder’s Bicentennial Tapestries Today
At Modern Masters Tapestries, we are proud to feature a selection of Alexander Calder’s Bicentennial Tapestries as part of our curated collection. Based in New York, we work closely with collectors, decorators, and institutions worldwide to make these exceptional tapestries accessible beyond museum walls. Whether you’re an art consultant in Paris or a private collector in Los Angeles, we can assist you in acquiring or exhibiting these rare textile works.
