Accession Number
2006/2.75

Title
Sunburst

Artist(s)
Alexander Calder

Artist Nationality
American (North American)

Object Creation Date
1974

Medium & Support
lithograph on paper

Dimensions
20 in x 26 in (50.8 cm x 66.04 cm);20 in x 26 in (50.8 cm x 66.04 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Sheldon and Jessie Stern

Subject matter
Alexander Calder is best know for his sculptures and mobiles, but he was also an accomplished printmaker. He began printmaking in Paris in 1926, influenced by Joan Miró, Fernand Léger, Piet Mondrian and Marcel Duchamp, and had a close friendship with Stanley William Hayter. Calder was comissioned by Braniff Airlines to make designs for their jets in the early 1970s. This print is part of a series of six commissioned by Braniff International Airlines. Although this print was created in 1974, it was published in 1975 explaining the "1975" in the Flying Colors Collection watermark. Calder often used bright, vibrant, primary colors and created abstract designs, as is the case with this print. 

Physical Description
This bright red-orange sunburst with a target-like center is printed on light colored background. Embossed with "Flying Color Collections 1975." 

Primary Object Classification
Print

Collection Area
Modern and Contemporary

Rights
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit http://umma.umich.edu/request-image for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.

Keywords
Abstract (fine arts style)
lithographs
sunbursts