The Bicentennial Tapestries: The Sphere and the Spirals

Le Sphere et Les Spirales (The Sphere and the Spirals) is a tapestry by Alexander Calder, created in 1975 as part of his Bicentennial Tapestries series. Woven by the Atelier Pinton Frères in Felletin, the work belongs to a group of six designs commissioned to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the United States.

Although the series was initially intended to be produced in a large edition, only a limited number were ultimately realized. As a result, surviving examples are scarce, and works from this group are considered among Calder’s most sought-after textile compositions.

The composition is structured through a dynamic interplay of curved and circular forms. A central spherical element anchors the design, while spiraling lines extend outward, creating a sense of expansion and movement across the surface. These forms echo Calder’s broader practice, where balance and motion are fundamental to the composition.

Color is used with clarity and restraint. Strong, contrasting tones are placed against a neutral ground, allowing each element to remain distinct while contributing to the overall rhythm. The composition is both controlled and energetic, reflecting Calder’s ability to create movement within a static medium.

The translation into tapestry preserves the precision of his forms while introducing a material richness. Variations in texture and density give the surface subtle depth, enhancing the visual impact without altering the clarity of the design.

Le Sphere et Les Spirales stands as an important example of Calder’s late work in textile. As part of the Bicentennial series, it combines his established visual language with a historically significant commission, resulting in a work that is both formally resolved and exceptionally rare.