Five silver pieces Alexander Calder made for his sister, mother and niece will be offered at Bonhams in New York on 19 November. Held privately for nearly 70 years, the group has a combined presale estimate of about 300,000 dollars. A necklace made for his sister leads the selection, which goes on display from 7 November.
Five jewels made by sculptor Alexander Calder for his sister, mother and niece are heading to the auction house Bonhams in New York. They go on view at its new headquarters on 7 November before the 19 November sale.[1], [2]
The silver pieces have been privately held for nearly 70 years, and Bonhams puts their combined presale estimate at approximately 300,000 dollars.[1]
A silver necklace Calder created around 1940 for his sister Margaret Calder Hayes carries an estimate of 100,000 to 150,000 dollars. Margaret, also called Peggy, was a close confidante and received early works by her brother. The other pieces include earrings given to her, two brooches shaped as the initials of his mother Nanette and niece Eva, and a spiral ring made for Eva.[1]
Known for abstract sculptures that move with air currents, Calder also worked in brass, copper and silver on a smaller scale. New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art counts approximately 1,800 unique handmade jewels over his lifetime and staged a museum exhibition devoted to them in 2008. He declined mass-production offers, instead making individual pieces for family and friends. Wearers included Peggy Guggenheim, Georgia O’Keeffe and Anjelica Huston.[1]
