The Waves

The Waves is a refined tapestry by Alexander Calder, woven in 1975 by the renowned Pinton Frères workshop in Felletin, Aubusson. Created as part of the Bicentennial Tapestries series, the work belongs to a special group commissioned to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution—an ambitious project that remains among the rarest within Calder’s textile production.

Although originally conceived as a larger edition, only a limited number of examples were ultimately woven, making surviving works particularly scarce. Numbered 35, this example stands as a strong and well-preserved representation of the series, executed in a combination of wool and silk that enhances both depth and luminosity.

The composition captures Calder’s distinctive ability to translate movement into visual form. Sweeping, undulating shapes move across the surface in a rhythmic flow, evoking the motion of waves while maintaining a precise sense of balance. The forms feel both spontaneous and controlled, reflecting Calder’s lifelong exploration of equilibrium, where each element exists in careful relation to the whole.

This sense of motion is central to Calder’s practice. Known for his mobiles—sculptures that shift and respond to air—he approached composition as a dynamic system rather than a fixed image. In The Waves, that philosophy is translated into textile, where curved forms and bold color contrasts create a composition that appears to move despite its stillness.

The use of wool and silk adds another dimension to the work. The silk introduces subtle highlights, catching light across the surface, while the wool provides depth and structure. Pinton’s weaving preserves the clarity of Calder’s forms while allowing for slight tonal variations, giving the composition a nuanced, tactile presence.

Signed by the artist and bearing the atelier monogram, The Waves is preserved in perfect condition and comes from a private American collection. Both historically significant and visually compelling, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire a work from one of Calder’s most limited and conceptually important tapestry series.