Alexander Stirling Calder: A Life in Stone
Alexander Stirling Calder (January 11, 1870 – January 7, 1945) was a prominent American sculptor best known for his monumental public works. His creations grace cityscapes and landmarks, embodying the grandeur of the Beaux-Arts style.
Early Life and Education
Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Calder came from an artistic family. His father, Alexander Milne Calder, was a celebrated sculptor himself, instilling in young Alexander a passion for the art form. He received his early education at city public schools before enrolling at the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (PAFA) in 1885, at just fifteen years old.
- He initially studied under Thomas Eakins, but Eakins’ forced resignation shortly after Calder's enrollment led him to continue his studies with Thomas Anshutz and James P. Kelly.
- Calder demonstrated early promise, having two sculptures accepted into PAFA’s annual exhibition in 1887 – a rare achievement for a student.
- He further honed his skills through travels to Europe, studying at the Académie Julian and École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under notable sculptors like Henri Michel Chapu and Alexandre Falguière.
Artistic Development and Influences
Calder’s artistic development was deeply rooted in the Beaux-Arts tradition, characterized by its emphasis on classical forms, meticulous craftsmanship, and grand scale. His father's influence is evident in his early work, as he apprenticed on projects like Philadelphia City Hall. He absorbed techniques and aesthetics from his European training, blending them with a distinctly American sensibility.
Major Achievements and Notable Works
Calder’s career flourished with numerous commissions for large-scale public sculptures:
- Dr. Samuel Gross Statue (1895–97): Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., this statue notably replicated a pose from Thomas Eakins' painting, The Gross Clinic.
- Witherspoon Building Statues (1898–99): A set of twelve larger-than-life statues adorning the facade of the Witherspoon Building in Philadelphia.
- Washington Square Arch (1914–18): Calder sculpted George Washington as President, one of two monumental figures gracing this iconic New York City landmark.
- Swann Memorial Fountain (1920–24): A magnificent fountain in Philadelphia’s Logan Circle, featuring graceful sculptures of swans.
- Leif Eriksson Memorial (1929): A gift from the United States to Iceland commemorating the 1000th anniversary of the Icelandic Parliament.
Panama-Pacific Exposition and Later Career
In 1912, Calder was appointed acting chief of the sculpture program for the Panama-Pacific Exposition in San Francisco. Following Karl Bitter’s sudden death, he completed several massive sculptural groups, including The Fountain of Energy and sculptures crowning triumphal arches.
Historical Significance and Legacy
Alexander Stirling Calder played a significant role in shaping the landscape of American public art during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His monumental works embody the ideals of civic pride and artistic grandeur. He also passed on his passion for sculpture to his son, Alexander (Sandy) Calder, who became a pioneer of kinetic art. While often overshadowed by his son’s innovative work, Alexander Stirling Calder remains an important figure in American sculptural history.
