Finding 21: Calder Airplanes

In 1973 Braniff International Airways commissioned Alexander Calder to paint a DC 8 jet that was scheduled to fly between North and South America. Initially trained as an engineer and best known for his kinetic sculptures, or mobiles, Calder was a fitting choice for such an undertaking. In preparation for the project, Calder created numerous fiberglass models, each painted with different colors and designs. Aspects from each model were then incorporated into the final painting on the plane, which bore Calder’s signature rather than the Braniff logo. Five of these models were on view at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum from August 9 to October 7, 1973. The installation photograph shows them hanging in the rotunda, suspended from wire attached to the dome.