Alexander Calder – Bicentennial Tapestries (1975)
Rare Modern Master Aubusson Works at Galerie Hadjer
The Bicentennial Tapestries (1975) by Alexander Calder (1898–1976) represent one of the most important late projects of the artist and a landmark in 20th-century modern tapestry.
Commissioned to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the American Revolution, this series of six abstract designs was woven in Aubusson, France, by the prestigious Atelier Pinton Frères. While Calder is internationally renowned for revolutionizing sculpture through his iconic mobiles, the Bicentennial series demonstrates how his bold forms, dynamic compositions, and vibrant colors translate powerfully into textile.
A Historic and Exceptionally Rare Aubusson Edition
Unlike traditional Aubusson editions, typically limited to six examples under French law, the Bicentennial Tapestries were exceptionally authorized for an edition of 200 sets. However, historical records indicate that only approximately 37 to 50 complete sets were ultimately produced.
This limited realization makes the series one of the rarest postwar Aubusson tapestry editions on the international market.
Each authentic tapestry bears:
-
Calder’s woven signature
-
The Atelier Pinton Frères monogram
-
The original bolduc (atelier label confirming edition and provenance)
Standard dimensions are approximately 103 × 150 cm (40 × 59 inches), offering strong architectural presence suitable for collectors, interior designers, and institutions.
Abstract Patriotism – A Modern Interpretation of the American Spirit
The six designs — La Poire, Le Fromage et le Serpent, Trois Spirales, Les Vagues, La Sphère et les Spirales, Les Palmiers, and La Tache Bleue — subtly evoke themes of movement, freedom, and energy.
Rather than literal patriotic symbolism, Calder offers an abstract and forward-looking interpretation of American optimism and modern identity. Woven primarily in wool and occasionally enriched with silk, the tapestries translate Calder’s original gouache compositions into textured, dimensional works that preserve the rhythm and dynamism characteristic of his practice.
Institutional Recognition
Examples from the Bicentennial series are held in major public collections, including:
-
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
-
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
Their inclusion in museum collections confirms their historical and artistic importance within Calder’s oeuvre and within the broader revival of modern tapestry in the 20th century.
Galerie Hadjer – Specialists in Modern Master Tapestry
Founded in Paris in 1966, Galerie Hadjer is internationally recognized for its expertise in modern and postwar Aubusson tapestry. The gallery regularly presents museum-quality works by major 20th-century artists, including Alexander Calder.
For collectors seeking rare Calder tapestries, investment-level modern textile works, or historically significant Aubusson masterpieces, the Bicentennial Tapestries represent a rare opportunity combining:
-
Exceptional scarcity
-
Strong provenance
-
Institutional validation
-
Long-term market relevance
For availability, provenance details, and condition reports, Galerie Hadjer remains at your disposal.
