Behold Three Discs One Lacking. A striking stabile by Alexander “Sandy” Calder. It’s a testament to the Calder family’s legacy in Philadelphia. Three generations of Calders left their mark on this city’s art scene.
This isn’t just any sculpture. It’s a piece of history. It represents a culmination of artistic talent spanning three generations. Alexander Calder’s grandfather Alexander Milne Calder created the iconic William Penn statue atop City Hall. His father Alexander Stirling Calder designed the magnificent Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Square. Sandy’s work stands as a modern counterpoint.
Three Discs One Lacking is made of iron alloy. It’s painted a deep black. Its simple yet powerful form commands attention. It’s a “stabile” not a mobile. That means it’s stationary unlike his famous mobiles. It is still fascinating. Its balanced asymmetry is captivating.
The sculpture originally stood at Penn Center Plaza. It now graces the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. It sits near other notable works by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. Its relocation highlights its importance. Philadelphia clearly cherishes this piece.
Edmund Bacon a significant figure in Philadelphia’s urban planning secured this artwork for the city in 1968. Funding came from the National Endowment for the Arts and the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. It shows the collaboration between public funding and private enterprise in supporting art.
The black color is striking. It contrasts sharply with the surrounding architecture and greenery. The simple design is elegant and enduring. It’s a work that speaks to time and space. It’s a piece of public art. It invites reflection and contemplation. Enjoy its presence here on the Parkway. It’s a part of Philadelphia’s artistic heritage. It reminds us of the lasting contributions of the Calder family. It silently proclaims the power of art to endure.