Way back when my fiance and I lived in Philadelphia, we’d occasionally walk the few short blocks over to the Art Museum to sit and look out at the city skyline. The only drawback to this otherwise relaxing endeavor was encountering Alexander Calder’s “Eagle” – the twisting crimson form of which was installed in front of the museum. It was one of those “classic/contemporary” mash-ups that just didn’t work – kind of like I.M. Pei’s glass pyramid at the Louvre, only less integrated. Instead, Calder’s sculpture looked lost among the muted tan stone and florid columns. It’s haphazard placement actually made us both dislike Calder’s work – it was that bad.

We bid farewell to the Eagle when we packed up and headed for Seattle, only to discover shortly thereafter that we were being followed. The Seattle Art Museum acquired the Eagle for its then unfinished outdoor sculpture park. While the park was being constructed, the Eagle was plunked down in front of another elegant facade, this time the distinctly Art Deco Seattle Asian Art Museum. And again, it just did not work. My fiances hatred of Alexander Calder grew to a simmering rage. Something had to be done.

And it was.

The Eagle now sits proudly in the recently-completed Olympic Sculpture Park, located on the edge of the Puget Sound just north of Seattle’s downtown core. The park is stunning, and no piece looks more at home than Calder’s Eagle. The bold red/orange contrasts perfectly with the blue/grey (mostly grey) sky and water beyond. Most brilliant is the minimal setting – you are now allowed to experience the soaring shapes of the work without any distractions. It becomes a meditative visual experience – you, the Eagle, and the horizon. It’s so perfect, my fiance has even decided to give Calder another chance!

Photo Credits (L to R): © Seattle Art Museum, © Anand Venkatesan, first image removed after repeated, coldly-worded email demands by Esto Stock Images

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