Calder’s ‘Eagle,’ courtesy historylink

Alexander Calder is more well known for his mobiles, but his “Eagle” is a striking and wonderful sculpture. What the hell it was doing next to the Seattle Asian Art Museum is anybody’s guess.

Visually, it was a very strange mix of styles, and the contemporary sculpture looked garish and odd next to the art deco Seattle Asian Art Museum building. Worse, stuck as it was in the middle of Volunteer Park, “Eagle” was vandalized a few times, and the paint badly needed refurbishing.

Calder’s “Eagle” was a gift from former Microsoft executive and noted art collector Jon Shirley and his wife Mary. Jon is chairman of the board for the Seattle Art Museum trustees, so it’s possible his opinion about where to put “Eagle” had some weight.

Fortunately for all, there’s good news. “Eagle” is at last headed for its new home at the Olympic Sculpture Park downtown. Hopefully it’ll be in a much better location there.

[Seattle Times]

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