The artwork titled “JOSEPHINE BAKER II” by Alexander Calder, created in 1927, is a piece that belongs to the Expressionism movement and is categorized as a sculpture. It is a part of Calder’s “Josephine Baker” series, which captures the essence of the renowned performer.
The sculpture itself is a wire construction that abstractly represents the figure of Josephine Baker. The artist has employed simple, yet expressive lines to convey the form and energy of Baker. Calder’s work typically features a playfulness with form and motion, and in this artwork, he translates the dynamic personality and the physical characteristics of Baker into a minimalistic, yet evocative wire sculpture. The wire forms are carefully bent and twisted to suggest her facial features, body shape, and characteristic dance poses.
The piece exhibits traits of motion and fluidity, common in Calder’s works, reminding us of the vibrant performances by Baker. It stands as a testament to Calder’s ability to capture the spirit of his subjects with seemingly effortless and simple lines, turning a static medium into a lively and dynamic representation.
