Description :

Frank Dulin (American, 20th Century)
Title: Calder at the DIA
Medium: Etching and aquatint on paper
Edition: Artist’s Proof (AP)
Signed: Lower right, in pencil “Frank Dulin”
Titled: Lower center, in pencil “Calder at the DIA”
Frame: Simple black metal frame with white mat

A moody and atmospheric etching by Frank Dulin depicting the iconic Alexander Calder sculpture at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). Rendered in rich tonal layers and crosshatched linework, the scene captures the dramatic interplay of light and shadow as visitors stroll near Calder’s monumental form. The composition blends architectural structure and organic movement, invoking the spirit of Calder’s monumental public art against the backdrop of Detroit’s cultural landmark.

The piece is pencil-signed, titled, and marked as Artist’s Proof, suggesting it was printed outside the numbered edition—often retained by the artist.

Artistic Context

Frank Dulin is known for his etchings and intaglio prints emphasizing architectural and urban imagery. This particular work pays homage to Alexander Calder’s “Stegosaurus” (or similar monumental form) outside the DIA, reflecting Detroit’s enduring connection to modern sculpture and mid-century American art movements.

Collecting Note

Artist’s Proofs are prized among collectors for their rarity and often for the artist’s personal touch in trial variations. Calder at the DIA exemplifies Dulin’s meticulous etching technique and his ability to capture the urban atmosphere with quiet sophistication—making it a fine addition to collections focusing on regional American printmaking, Detroit art scenes, or mid-20th-century architectural etching.