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Alexander Calder’s “Krinkly Klang” Leads Doyle’s Important Fine Art Auction with $1 Million Sale
On May 14, Alexander Calder’s 1969 stabile, Krinkly Klang, stole the spotlight at Doyle’s Important Fine Art auction in New York City, surpassing the one-million-dollar mark and securing its place as the top lot of the sale. The sculpture, crafted from sheet metal, wire, and paint, stands 32½ inches tall and was originally consigned from the property of a Florida-based collector. Its notable history includes a 1973 exhibition at the Charles F. MacNiber Museum in Mason City, Indiana, as part of the show American Artists: An Invitational.
The auction saw intense bidding activity across multiple platforms, with spirited competition in the saleroom, over the phone, and online. Ultimately, a private collector participating by telephone emerged as the winning bidder. The stabile, which was registered in the archives of the Calder Foundation in New York and accompanied by extensive provenance, far exceeded its pre-sale estimate of $400,000 to $600,000. The final hammer price, including buyer’s premium, reached an impressive $1,041,900.
Calder’s Legacy and the Appeal of Krinkly Klang
Alexander Calder (1898–1976) is widely celebrated for his pioneering contributions to modern art, particularly in the realms of kinetic sculpture and the innovative use of abstract forms. His stabiles, which are stationary sculptures often characterized by their bold, geometric shapes and playful compositions, have become iconic within the art world. Krinkly Klang exemplifies Calder’s mastery of form and his ability to balance structure with whimsy. Its intricate design and vibrant presence have made it a sought-after piece among collectors and institutions alike.
The sculpture’s provenance and exhibition history further enhance its significance. Its inclusion in the 1973 American Artists: An Invitational exhibition underscores its place within the broader context of American art, while its registration with the Calder Foundation ensures its authenticity and connects it to the artist’s broader body of work. These factors, combined with its striking visual appeal, contributed to the fierce bidding war that ultimately propelled it to the million-dollar milestone.
Auction Highlights and Broader Trends
The success of Krinkly Klang reflects a broader trend in the art market, where works by mid-century modern masters like Calder continue to command strong interest and high prices. Collectors are increasingly drawn to pieces that combine historical significance with aesthetic innovation, and Calder’s works often fit this profile perfectly. The strong performance of his stabiles in recent auctions underscores their enduring appeal and the growing demand for high-quality examples of his art.
Beyond Krinkly Klang, Doyle’s Important Fine Art auction is set to feature additional highlights in an upcoming issue. While details of these lots have not yet been fully disclosed, the sale’s success suggests a robust market for fine art, with enthusiastic participation from both seasoned collectors and new buyers. The auction house’s ability to attract competitive bidding across multiple platforms highlights the continued vitality of the art market, even in the face of broader economic uncertainties.
Conclusion
Alexander Calder’s Krinkly Klang has proven to be a standout work in Doyle’s Important Fine Art auction, achieving a remarkable $1,041,900 and reaffirming Calder’s status as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. The sculpture’s combination of historical significance, artistic innovation, and meticulous craftsmanship made it a star of the sale, attracting fierce competition and ultimately finding a new home with a private collector. As the art market continues to evolve, works like Krinkly Klang serve as a testament to the enduring power of modern art and its ability to captivate audiences across generations.
