Gwenfritz, Steel sculpture at National Museum of American History, Washington, D.C., US.
Gwenfritz is a steel sculpture at the National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., standing about 35 feet (10.5 meters) tall. It is made of seventy-one black steel plates assembled into an abstract geometric shape.
The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation commissioned Alexander Calder in 1968 to create this sculpture as part of a capital beautification effort. The work emerged during a period when modern abstract art was increasingly appearing in public spaces.
The sculpture shows how public taste in the capital shifted during the late 1960s toward abstract forms instead of traditional designs. Its black geometric shape introduced a modern look that was fresh for Washington's public spaces at that time.
The sculpture sits on the west side of the museum beside a reflecting pool and can be viewed from different angles. The location is easy to access, and the open space around it allows for good views from both near and far.
During the 2013 restoration, workers found markings that Calder made during original assembly hidden under the black paint. These hand-written notes reveal the artist's working method and personal touches on the metal plates.
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