Lot 419: Alexander Calder Signed Political Lithograph, Abe Ribicoff

Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) color lithograph with red, yellow, and blue circles surrounding the name “Abe Ribicoff” written in stylized letters, 1974. Pencil signed lower center and numbered 82/90, lower left. Housed under plexiglass in a simple black frame. Sight: 30 5/8″ H x 22 3/4″ W. Framed: 33 1/4″ H x 25 1/4′ W. Note: “Among Calder’s Connecticut allies and personal friends was Abraham A. Ribicoff. The son of impoverished Polish immigrants, the New Britain native enjoyed a long and admired career in public life: Connecticut state legislature; Governor of Connecticut; US Secretary of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; and US Senator of Connecticut. Calder – whom Ribicoff called “Sandy” –  supported “Abe’s” career in Connecticut. Their political kinship also included support of McGovern, whom Ribicoff nominated as presidential candidate at the 1968 Democratic Convention in Chicago. In 1974, Ribicoff ran for a third term in the US Senate and Calder lent his talent to his friend’s campaign. For his re-election campaign poster, Ribicoff wrote to Calder asking him to employ ‘a strong, simple graphic statement that reflected boldness and vigor–freshness but with dependability and a sense of direction in troubled times.’ Ribicoff also requested that ‘Abe,’ his recognizable nickname, ‘come through clearly at a glance.’ In the resulting two posters, Calder employed stylized curvilinear and geometric shapes in vibrant primary colors to reinforce Ribicoff’s ‘Abe.’ Printed in limited editions, Ribicoff’s campaign sold these lithographs–as well as pillows and tote bags–nationally and statewide to raise his coffers. Ribicoff won re-election to a third term in an overwhelming victory over his Republican opponent, James H. Brannen, III.” (Source: Kathleen Motes Bennewitz, “Alexander Calder and Making Art Political”, ConnecticutHistory.org)

PROVENANCE: The collection of Ronnie Steine, Nashville, TN.

CONDITION: Overall very good condition, with fresh colors. Even toning to sheet. Not examined outside of frame. Frame with scattered, minor scratches.