Clothespin, Philadelphia

Clothespin is a distinctive weathering steel sculpture situated at Centre Square in Philadelphia, crafted by Claes Oldenburg. The artist, renowned for his large, stylized sculptures of everyday items, aims to make art more accessible to the public. True to his vision, Clothespin is strategically placed above Philadelphia's City Hall subway station, enabling thousands of commuters to encounter art in their daily routines.

Constructed from Cor-Ten steel, Clothespin is acclaimed for its velvety texture and a warm, weathered reddish-brown hue. A striking feature is its silvery steel "spring", which intriguingly resembles the numerals "76", commemorating the United States Bicentennial year. This aspect not only honors the historical context but also resonates with the year of its dedication.

The sculpture is more than just an oversized utility object; it is a symbol connecting Philadelphia's past and present. By juxtaposing the city's colonial legacy with contemporary civic challenges, Clothespin endeavors to bridge socio-economic divides, presenting a universally recognized form that appeals to a broad audience. Art critics have drawn parallels between its design and the "embracing couple" depicted in Constantin Brâncuși's famous sculpture, The Kiss, housed in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, further enriching its artistic and cultural dialogue.

Clothespin's influence extends beyond its primary location. There are at least two smaller-scale models. One, known as Clothespin – 4 Foot Version, completed in 1974, is typically exhibited in the Oldenburg gallery at the Denver Art Museum. The other, a 10-foot version completed in 1975, resides in the Contemporary Art Department of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it is displayed occasionally.