Alexander CalderLoops and Yin Yang. 1969.

Original lithograph in colours. 1969. Signed in pencil. Inscribed in pencil as: 'E.A. - Epreuve Artiste' - artist's proof before the edition of 90. Probably printed at the Atelier Adrien Maeght, Paris. (See note below).

Extremely strong impression with vibrant colours. On pale cream Arches wove paper. Excellent condition. Worked to full sheet size: 813 x 575mm.

During the late 1960's Calder became really fascinated by the imagery and visual effects which could be achieved in colour lithograph. As a result he spent long periods in Paris and the Galerie Maeght, in whose atelier he worked, staged almost annual shows both in Paris and also at the Fondation Maeght in St Paul de Vence.

The Maeght print studio - Editions Maeght - with its large scale presses was a favourite atelier for Calder's lithography work. This large-scale work is known by the two titles 'Loops' and ‘Yin Yang'. This echoes Calder's interest in the Chinese philosophical concept of 'Yin and Yang' - the idea that obviously opposite or contrary forces may actually at the same time be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world. Calder’s famous ‘mobile’ sculptures use natural movement  of discs in primary colours creating a random interaction. In compositions like ‘Loops’, here,  Calder evokes a similar  visual evocation of movement.