The artwork titled “FOUR LEAVES AND THREE PETALS” was created by artist Alexander Calder in 1939. It is a sculpture that falls under the genre of mobiles, which are a type of kinetic art—a form that emphasizes movement. Calder’s work is particularly renowned for pioneering this art movement.
Analyzing “FOUR LEAVES AND THREE PETALS,” this sculpture presents an abstract formation that seems to float and balance in space. It has a delicate structure made of wire and metal, showing a combination of bold organic shapes at the bottom and fine, slender lines that extend outward. The main structure is in black, grounded on a stable base, and it supports an array of elements that suggest the titular leaves and petals through both form and color. There’s a playful asymmetry to the elements, with only a splash of color—a red, yellow, and blue detail up top, adding visual interest and a dynamic contrast to the mostly monochrome structure.
There’s an inherent sense of airiness and motion in the artwork, likely to gently stir with the movement of air in its vicinity, making it an ever-changing experience for viewers. Its design showcases Calder’s fascination with balance, both physical and visual, creating a harmonious yet whimsical interaction between the sculpture’s components.
