Calder Foundation

Eighteen Numbered Black

Date 1953
Media
Sheet metal, wire, and paint
Dimensions
110" × 140" × 140"
Collection
The Doris and Donald Fisher Collection at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Works / Hanging Mobile 167
Related Timeline
1953–1962 Large-scale Developments and Intercontinental Projects

During a yearlong stay in Aix-en-Provence, Calder executed the first group of large-scale outdoor works and concurrently concentrated on painting gouaches. In 1954–55, he visited the Middle East, India, and South America, with trips to Paris in between, resulting in an astonishing output and range of work. Toward the late 1950s, Calder turned his attention to commissions both at home and abroad.