Alexander Calder

John Piper, Henley-on-Thames (acquired directly from the artist circa 1961)
Thence by descent to the present owner

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is more vibrant in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There are spots of paint loss, minor wear and tiny media accretions in places to all of the metal elements. There are spots of rusting running along all the wire elements.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"When everything goes right a mobile is a piece of poetry that dances with the joy of life and surprises"  The artist cited in: Exhibition Catalogue, Cologne, Galerie Lissen, Calder, 1987, p. 82

Famous for his romantic landscapes, views of ruined churches, stately homes and castles, John Piper is considered to be one of the most significant British artists of the 20th Century. On one of his various trips to Paris, he met and befriended Alexander Calder and they became very close. Piper's farmhouse Fawley Bottom was his much loved home from 1935 and was to become the regular meeting place for a circle of artists, poets and architects and musicians amongst whom was Calder. This animated and beautiful mobile was given as a gift to John Piper and hung proudly at Fawley Bottom for several decades. It is a whimsical example of Calder's emphatic play with the fusion of sculpture and motion. Executed at the height of his artistically mature years, Untitled is a testament to Calder's technical skill. This perfectly balanced mobile is in harmony with the space that surrounds it; the carefully selected bold colours contribute to the kinetic charge of the work making Untitled a true example of Calder's innovative and inspirational contribution to 20^th Century sculpture.