
Description
Artist: Alexander Calder, (American, 1898-1976) Title: Flying Colors for Braniff Airlines Year: "Sky Swirl". 1974 Medium: Lithograph, signed in the plate Size: 20 in. x 26 in. (50.8 cm x 66.04 cm) Printer: Atelier Fernand Mourlot, Paris
19.5 x 25.5. Image size
ABOUT THE FLYING COLORS COLLECTION: In 1972, Dallas based Braniff International Airways commissioned Alexander Calder to paint a full-size Douglas DC-8-62 airliner, dubbed a "flying canvas." Models of the aircraft were sent to Calder at his studio in France in November of 1972, and work commenced. Braniff announced the Calder collaboration to the public on June 4, 1973. It was the first time in aviation history that an seminal fine artist had ever painted a aircraft to be used in regular airline service. Painting occurred at the carrier's Dallas Love Field Operations and Maintenance Base. Calder also supervised the painting of the aircraft at the Braniff Base, and personally painted the two left side engine nacelles with two of his designs called "Beastie" and "Sunburst". While at the hangar Calder befriended many of the Braniff Maintenance and Engineering personnel and even painted his unique designs on their lunch pails and toolboxes. At the time, some of the employees did not like the designs but quickly changed their mind once they realized they became owners of their own original Calder artworks. The following original lithographs comprise the Braniff International Airways "Flying Colors Collection" that was created by Calder and Braniff to commemorate their historic collaboration. ALEXANDER CALDER (1898-1976) Credited with the invention of the mobile, Alexander Calder revolutionized twentieth-century art with his innovative use of subtle air currents to animate sculpture. Calder was prolific and worked throughout his career in many art forms.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good. Additions or alterations made to the original: Just framed. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
Height: 30 in.
Width: 24 in.
Depth: 1.5 in.
Category: Original Prints
Origin: United States
Materials: Lithograph
Creator: Artist: Alexander Calder
Shipping:For an exact shipping quote, please email us at help@chairishauctions.com with your zip code. Exact shipping costs are dependent on destination, but can range between $230-$1500 for large/bulky items shipped to the continental United States. Note: there may be additional charges for ferry destinations. No local pickup for this auction. International: No International Shipping for this auction. Location: This item ships from Hopewell, NJ
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
19.5 x 25.5. Image size
ABOUT THE FLYING COLORS COLLECTION: In 1972, Dallas based Braniff International Airways commissioned Alexander Calder to paint a full-size Douglas DC-8-62 airliner, dubbed a "flying canvas." Models of the aircraft were sent to Calder at his studio in France in November of 1972, and work commenced. Braniff announced the Calder collaboration to the public on June 4, 1973. It was the first time in aviation history that an seminal fine artist had ever painted a aircraft to be used in regular airline service. Painting occurred at the carrier's Dallas Love Field Operations and Maintenance Base. Calder also supervised the painting of the aircraft at the Braniff Base, and personally painted the two left side engine nacelles with two of his designs called "Beastie" and "Sunburst". While at the hangar Calder befriended many of the Braniff Maintenance and Engineering personnel and even painted his unique designs on their lunch pails and toolboxes. At the time, some of the employees did not like the designs but quickly changed their mind once they realized they became owners of their own original Calder artworks. The following original lithographs comprise the Braniff International Airways "Flying Colors Collection" that was created by Calder and Braniff to commemorate their historic collaboration. ALEXANDER CALDER (1898-1976) Credited with the invention of the mobile, Alexander Calder revolutionized twentieth-century art with his innovative use of subtle air currents to animate sculpture. Calder was prolific and worked throughout his career in many art forms.
Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Good. Additions or alterations made to the original: Just framed. Wear consistent with age and use.
Dimensions:
Height: 30 in.
Width: 24 in.
Depth: 1.5 in.
Category: Original Prints
Origin: United States
Materials: Lithograph
Creator: Artist: Alexander Calder
Shipping:
Your purchase is protected:
In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.
Condition
Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Good. Additions or alterations made to the original: Just framed. Wear consistent with age and use.
Buyer's Premium
20%
Contemporary Sky Swirl Lithograph by Alexander Calder
Estimate $1,200-$2,400
Starting Price
$1,200
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Timeless Finds
Feb 20, 2026 7:00 PM ESTNew York, NY, United States
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