The artwork “DUCK AND SNAKE” was created by artist Alexander Calder in 1926. This sculpture is associated with the Expressionism movement and represents a genre of art that prioritizes the physical manifestation of the artist’s emotions or ideas. As a piece of sculpture, it stands out for its own expressive style and material choice.
The sculpture depicts a whimsical interaction between the two named creatures: a duck and a snake. The forms appear abstract and are made with a combination of wire and wood, materials that Calder was known to manipulate with skill and creativity. The duck is characterized by a long, flat body that might suggest the water surface it would naturally occupy, and its head is elongated, stretching towards the snake, which is formed in a sinuous, curved shape that gives off a sense of movement and tension. The use of space and the dynamic between the two figures contribute to an overall sense of playfulness and perhaps a narrative moment captured in three dimensions. Calder’s work often included kinetic components, though it is not clear from this image alone if these elements are mobile. The piece stands as an early reflection of Calder’s innovative spirit that would later define his contributions to the world of modern sculpture.
