Spotted Butterfly 1966

Alexander Calder made this painting, Spotted Butterfly, using gouache on paper. It’s a medium most associated with graphic design and illustration. The way Calder has handled the paint is key to the work's impact. The gouache has been applied quickly, with only one layer. See how the colors remain vivid, not blended or muddy? This directness is typical of Calder's work, whether paintings like this, or his wire sculptures. Even at their most abstract, they retain a connection to the artist’s hand. Calder came from a family of sculptors, but was trained as an engineer. This combination made him unusual for the art world of his time. He never lost sight of the innate qualities of his materials, or the pleasure of simply manipulating them. Ultimately, it's about how the materials and methods connect to a wider social context, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.