Bent Propeller
| Company type | Sculpture |
|---|---|
| Industry | Public art |
| Founded | 1970 |
| Founder | Alexander Calder |
| Headquarters | New York City , United States |
| Products | Sculpture |
Bent Propeller, also referred to as World Trade Center Stabile, was a sculpture crafted from red stainless steel by Alexander Calder.
Description
This artwork consisted of three interconnected curved metal panels, forming a stationary "stabile," in contrast to Calder's kinetic mobiles. Its shape evoked a ship's propeller and it was coated in red paint, reaching a height of . Originally placed close to 1 World Trade Center, it was moved in 1970 to a plaza situated at the northeast corner of Austin J. Tobin Plaza, in front of 7 World Trade Center, near the intersection of Vesey Street and Church Street.
History
Commissioned in 1969 by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Bent Propeller was installed within the World Trade Center complex in 1970.
The sculpture suffered extensive destruction during the September 11 attacks, being crushed beneath debris resulting from the collapse of 7 World Trade Center. Roughly 40% of the original piece was salvaged; however, this amount was inadequate for full restoration. These remnants are preserved by the Calder Foundation. A segment of the sculpture is exhibited at the National September 11 Memorial & Museum.