The Mythological Sculptor
Artist Birthdays: Remembering Alexander Stirling Calder
Artist Birthdays
As a challenge and motivation for myself, I have decided to begin a series where I recognize an artist’s life and work in order to give remembrance to their date of birth and artistic creations. By doing so I hope to further develop not just my own, but our knowledge of art and history.
American Sculptor: Alexander Stirling Calder
Today let us celebrate the life of Alexander Stirling Calder on the anniversary of his date of birth while we also recognize the beautiful and intricate detailing of his mythologically influenced sculptures.
The Sundial
The sundial located in Fairmount Park is an angelic sight reflecting both the Greek personifications of the seasons and the astrological calendar.
In Greek Mythology, The Horae are a triad recognized for personifying the seasons and are viewed as a symbol for nature’s natural changes throughout the year. Thallo, Auxo and Carpo are the most commonly recognized group named triad of the seasons. However, it is in his Dionysiaca, where Greek poet Nonnus names four Horae.
Eiar is the personification of spring, Theros personifies summer, Phthiniporon personifies autumn, and Cheimon is the personification of winter.
In this sculpture by Calder, Autumn is portrayed holding grapes, summer is pictured with poppies, Spring is holding a rose and Winter is decorated with a pine branch.
Swann Memorial Fountain
This fountain and its sculptures were built in memory of Dr. Wilson Cary Swann in order to celebrate her work as the founder and president of the Philadelphia Fountain Society.
Although sculpted with the intention to honor Dr. Swann, Calder still incorporated his mythological influence. The swan and the maiden in this sculpture can mirrors the myth of Leda and the Swan. In Greek mythology, Zeus is said to have taken on the form of a swan in order to seduce the Spartan Queen Leda.
The Riches of the Earth
The Riches of the Earth is a group of seven 3-panel terracotta friezes located in Oakland, California. The mythological scenes depicted in these friezes adorn the half-domed entrances to the Kaiser Convention Center.
The Mother Goddess
The central figure here can be viewed as a depiction of a Mother goddess. Her fertility attributes are evidently symbolized by the abundance of lively vegetation in the background. Her ability to balance her earthly qualities with her unconscious is symbolized by the cow and panther on each of her sides.
In mythology, the cow is recognized as a symbol for motherhood and fertility due to the nourishment they have historically provided for people. The panther symbolizes our unconscious, darker impulses, innate instincts and Kundalani forces. The mother goddess is a symbol of a woman who has integrated both aspects healthily into their lives.
She can also be viewed as a depiction of the Greek goddess Hera or the Egyptian goddess Hathor, as both goddesses are attributed with qualities like life, death, nourishment and protection, just as the Mother goddess archetype entails.
The Sea God
This therianthrope figure reflects the merman sea god recognized in mythology. This figure can be viewed as the Titan god Triton or the Greek god Poseidon, both of which are hybrid man sea creatures.
The God of Wind
This figure depicted beneath the clouds and breathing out air is the Greek god of the wind Aether and the figures beneath him are Aurae, which are nymphs of the breeze.
Life after the Garden
Sections from the frieze also depict scenes from the Genesis story. This panel specifically includes scenes depicting Adam and Eve’s life outside of the garden.
To the center of the left-hand figure below we see “THE WORD” displayed in its center. This is perhaps a direct indication of John 1 in that…
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God”.
The two figures on the right can then be viewed as Adam and Eve completing their earthly duties after their banishment from the garden. Adam, portrayed by the working man, symbolizes the more strenuous and demanding work that was required and ordered for the couple following their exile from the garden. Eve or the woman is seen engaging in some sort of crocheting or weaving activity, an action symbolizing feminine instincts and duties required and expected from women.
[See The Weaving Goddess for more on weaving and the feminine aspect]
Homer and The Muses
The central figure on the left can be viewed as a depiction of Homer or Herodotus.
Homer would be an appropriate guess as he is the legendary author of the Iliad and Odyssey. Homer would also be a suitable guess as in art he is often depicted with the muses.
One could also guess the figure is Herodotus holding one of his most profound works, “Histories”. This guess is just as appropriate as he was referred to as the father of history.
The womanly figure seen below “MEMORY” can be a depiction of the Titan goddess of memory and mother of the muses.
Greek Sea Monster
This sculpture seems to depict a Ketea, which is a Greek sea monster. The Ketea is described as a large serpentine like fish with sharp teeth. The figures to the side of the Ketea are Nereides, which are sea nymphs known for riding on the back of these sea monsters.
Star Maiden
Alexander Stirling Calder inspiration for the Star Maiden seems to stem from the Greek goddess Astraea. In mythology, it is believed that Astraea will return to earth bringing also the return of the utopian Golden Age.
Muse of Dance
This sculpture of Calder can be viewed as a depiction of the Greek muse Terpsichore and her love for dance. Like the title of this work, Terpsichore believes dance is poweful tool and symbol of life.
