The “Aztec Josephine Baker” is a sculpture created by Alexander Calder in 1930, representing a confluence of the Expressionist art movement. This piece is part of Calder’s “Josephine Baker” series, which celebrates the famous entertainer through the artist’s unique sculptural language. The genre of this work is sculpture, showcasing Calder’s skill in transforming metal into lifelike forms.
In the image, the artwork is a wire sculpture that captures a simplified, abstract form reminiscent of the human figure, which is identified as representing Josephine Baker. Calder employs economical lines and shapes to suggest the body and features, including spirals that denote the breasts and tightly coiled lines for the hands and feet. The figure’s stance is dynamic and expressive with a certain fluidity that hints at movement, a characteristic trait of Calder’s work. The piece’s overall form suggests a playful and imaginative interpretation rather than a literal or realistic portrayal, encouraging the viewer to engage with the essence of the subject’s personality and spirit.
