Alexander Calder (American, 1898–1976)

LOT ID: 53518

Necktie, ie. circa 1975

Mixed Media, acrylic on silk necktie

51 х 4 in. cm.

Signed, Signed 'CA' in and 'GG' in paint.

Lot description

Hand-painted Necktie gifted to George Gordon in appreciation for organizing the Calder Braniff Flying Colors project.

In 1972 an advertising executive, George Gordon, had a brainstorm. It was to salute Alexander Calder and his mobiles by asking him to paint a full size jet aircraft. With his idea and an unpainted 18" plastic model under his arm, Gordon flew to Sache, France for lunch with Calder at his home. Unaware of the subject and after spending a full day together, Calder asked, "what do you want me to do?" Gordon replied, "I want you to paint a plane." Observing the little white model, Calder dismissed the idea with, "I don't paint toys!" "No, no," Gordon replied, "I want you to paint a full sized jet." Calder smiled, "It would be a flying mobile. I like that." (Source: Calder Airplane Project) George Gordon had introduced Calder to Harding Lawrence. Thus began a relationship between Calder and Braniff from 1972 till Calder's death in 1976. (Calder was working on a third aircraft design, "A Tribute to Mexico," and died before he finished the prototypes.)

Calder was paid $100,000 US for each aircraft, and $50,000 for the 50 paintings. He painted the models in his Paris, France studio and shipped them to Texas. Then, between the 4-6 prototypes, Braniff picked one they wanted. Alexander Calder, like any artist, was very picky about his work. He insisted on supervising the application of the paint schemes on the aircraft. When the plane was finished, he would personally paint one or more engine nacelles.

Literature and Catalogue Raisoneé
Literature and Catalogue Raisoneé
Condition Report
Condition Report
Current lot doesn't have any damage.
History and Provenance
History and Provenance
Provenance:
ex-Private Collection: George Gordon
Shipping Information
Shipping Information
Shipping Carrier:
FedEx, UPS, Pick-up

Shipping Weight: 4 lbs

Framing: No

Item Location: New York, USA
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Payment and Return Policies
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Sales Tax: New York

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Contact the Specialist

Deborah Ripley

Senior Specialist, Contemporary Prints & Multiples

New York

(212) 497-9700 ext. 174 174

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Last Name

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Subject

Lot ID

53518

Artist

Alexander Calder

Title

Necktie

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Alexander Calder (American, 1898–1976)

LOT ID: 53518

Necktie, ie. circa 1975

CONFIRMATION

Deborah Ripley

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