Phrygian Cap and Orange Star 1969

Alexander Calder crafted this drawing, titled "Phrygian Cap and Orange Star," with ink on paper. At first glance, the Phrygian cap—that floppy, conical hat—appears as a simple, striking form. Historically, this cap is no mere fashion statement. It’s a potent symbol of freedom and revolution. We see it worn by the heroes of the French Revolution, a beacon of liberty. Yet, its roots burrow deeper, back to ancient Phrygia where it marked one's emancipation from slavery. Note how Calder simplifies the cap, its tip curling into a spiral. This echoes the cyclical nature of history itself—ideas of freedom resurfacing, each time slightly altered, yet still resonating with that primal urge for liberation. The sunburst, too, isn’t just a celestial body, but a radiant symbol of enlightenment, of a new dawn breaking through the darkness. Consider how these symbols, though bold and graphic, stir within us a deep, collective memory. The yearning for freedom, the hope for enlightenment—these aren't just concepts, but visceral emotions passed down through generations, continually reborn in art.