Alexander Stirling Calder

Calder, A. Stirling
Calder, Stirling

American, 1870 - 1945

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The sculpture is a round medallion featuring a mother and child. The mother, positioned in a quasi-sitting stance, holds up a child reaching upwards. Both figures are depicted in a stylized, low-relief form. The material appears to be gold or a gold-like metal, giving it a shiny and reflective surface. The medallion features the engraved text "THE DANCE OF LIFE BEGINS EARLY AND GOES ON" surrounding the figures in a circular form. The image presents the sculpture in sharp focus against a black background.
Alexander Stirling Calder, Medallic Art Company, Life as a Dance [obverse], 1938, bronze, Corcoran Collection (Gift through subscription to the Society of Medalists, 1938), 2015.19.3662.a

Life as a Dance [obverse]

Alexander Stirling Calder, Medallic Art Company · 1938 · bronze ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3662.a

The sculpture on this medallion depicts three human figures intricately intertwined in a dynamic pose. The central figure appears to be holding onto the two figures on either side. The sculpture is rendered in a golden-brown color, suggesting it is made from a metal like bronze. Surrounding the figures, the raised inscription reads "WITH PLEASURE PAIN AND THE PROTAGONIST." The figures are anatomically detailed and appear to be in motion, skillfully captured in relief on the surface of the medallion.
Alexander Stirling Calder, Medallic Art Company, Alexander Stirling Calder, Life as a Dance [reverse], 1938, bronze, Corcoran Collection (Gift through subscription to the Society of Medalists), 2015.19.3662.b

Life as a Dance [reverse]

Alexander Stirling Calder, Medallic Art Company, Alexander Stirling Calder · 1938 · bronze ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3662.b

The sculpture is a bust of a young boy with short hair styled to the side, wearing a garment with a broad collar resembling a sailor's outfit. The material appears to be plaster or a stone-like substance, with a color of off-white or light gray. The surface is smooth with some visible marks and rough areas, particularly along the edges. The boy's expression is neutral, with defined facial features such as eyes, a straight nose, and closed lips. The size of the sculpture is life-sized or slightly smaller, depicting the boy's head and shoulders in realistic proportions.
Alexander Stirling Calder, A. Lucien Archambault, III, n.d., plaster, Corcoran Collection (Gift of Margerite A. C. Stewart, 1963), 2015.19.3783

A. Lucien Archambault, III

Alexander Stirling Calder · n.d. · plaster ·  Accession ID  2015.19.3783