1969
The American sculptor Alexander Calder is known as the father of the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling.
Because Calder's parents, both artists themselves, did not want him to suffer the hardships of trying to make a living in art, they encouraged the young Calder to study mechanical engineering at the Stevens Institute of Technology, in Hoboken, New Jersey. He worked a number of jobs, including as a hydraulic engineer and draftsman for the New York Edison Company, before deciding to pursue an artistic career. He never abandoned his engineering background, however, applying his understanding of gears and moving parts in all his artworks, from mechanical toys like the Cirque Calder (1931) and his revered prints to his free-standing abstract sculptures, called stabiles.
In 1926, Calder moved to Paris and established a studio in the Montparnasse quarter. He began creating the many parts of his famous miniature circus from found materials, such as wire, string, cloth, rubber and cork. Designed to be transportable, Cirque grew to fill five suitcases over the years. Always interested in putting forms in motion, Calder also pioneered a new art form called wire sculptures, which he described as “drawings in space.” Like his famous mobiles, the wire sculptures were suspended so that they turned with any movement of the air, presenting different forms when viewed from different angles.
In the 1950s, Calder returned to his roots in mechanical engineering, creating monumental abstract sculptures that verged on the architectural. He worked from loose gestural drawings like this preparatory sketch for his Man Stabile, from 1966. Throughout his career, he also worked as a set designer for the theater, as well as an illustrator and printmaker, producing vibrant, whimsical drawings for books and journals.
Find original Alexander Calder art today on 1stDibs.
Blue, Red, and Black
By Alexander Calder
Located in London, GB
An original, large-scale painting by Alexander Calder, this unique work showcases Calder's iconic bold colour palette and dynamic abstract forms. The piece, painted in 1968, is hand-...
Paper, Gouache
$1,412
H 30.71 in W 23.23 in
Red, Blue & Black Balloons - Original Lithograph Signed in the Plate
By Alexander Calder
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander CALDER (1898-1976) Red, blue and black balloons Original lithograph, 1973 Signed in the plate On vellum size 78 x 59 cm (c. 29 x 23 in) Very good condition
Lithograph
Fond Rouge
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Lithograph in colors Published by Maeght Éditeur, Paris Printed by Arte Adrien Maeght, Paris 22 x 29.5 inches Edition of 75 on Rives, signed and numbered - This one being a proof...
Lithograph
$588
H 9.85 in W 7.49 in
Composition with Red and Blue Ball - Original lithograph (Mourlot)
By Alexander Calder
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander CALDER Composition with Red and Blue Ball Original lithograph (printed in Mourlot workshop) Printed signature in the plate On Arches vellum 25 x 19 cm (c. 10 x 8 inch) Edi...
Lithograph
$495
H 21.25 in W 17.25 in
Alexander Calder Abstract Geometric Lithograph, 1968, from Derriere Le Miroir
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 1 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Medium: Lithograph Year: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image...
Lithograph
Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled Color lithograph, 1959 Unsigned (as issued) From: Derriere Le Miroir, No. 113, 1959 Publisher: Editions Pierre a Feu Editor: A. Maeght Small edition as it appeared in the ma...
Lithograph
$10,800Sale Price|20% Off
H 20.5 in W 28.75 in
Cinq Boules et Deux Serpents, Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairfield, CT
Artist: Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Title: Cinq Boules et Deux Serpents Year: 1965 Medium: Lithograph in colors on wove paper Edition: 90, plus proofs Size: 20.5 x 28.75 inches Cond...
Lithograph
Grey Ellipse, 1976
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palo Alto, CA
Alexander Calder, Grey Ellipse, 1976, captures the artist’s mastery of balance, movement, and bold color. Known globally for pioneering kinetic sculpture, Calder translated his sculp...
Lithograph
Derriere Le Miroir-No. 190-Page 14-15
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Derriere Le Miroir-No. 190-Page 14-15 Color lithograph, 1971 Unsigned (as issued) From: Derriere Le Miroir, No. 190, 1971 Publisher: Aime Maeght, Paris Printer: L’Imprimerie Arts, Pa...
Lithograph
Spirals
By Alexander Calder
Located in London, GB
Alexander Calder Spirals, 1969 signed bottom right Color lithograph on Rives BFK, 89 x 60 cm 35 x 23.6 inches Alexander Calder was an American sculptor known both for his innovative...
Handmade Paper, Lithograph
Untitled (Rope Dancer series)
By Jack Roth
Located in Palm Desert, CA
"Untitled (Rope Dancer series)" is an acrylic on canvas made by Jack Roth in 1980. The artwork is 18 x 30 1/8 inches. It weighs less thn 50 lbs. The work is signed and dated in penci...
Acrylic
Red Curve (Black State) - Minimalist Abstract Lithograph, 1999
By Ellsworth Kelly
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Red Curve (Black State)” is a color lithograph by minimalist, abstract artist, Ellsworth Kelly from 1999. The work is edition 21/55 and Signed and editioned in pencil lower left, "21...
Lithograph
New Synthesis #15
By Jack Roth
Located in Palm Desert, CA
An abstract acrylic on canvas executed in bright, primary red, blue and yellow by Post War artist Jack Roth. Signed, dated and titled verso, "ROTH81 "NEW SYNTHESIS - 15".
Acrylic, Canvas
Untitled - Contemporary Abstract Lithograph, 1983
By Ellsworth Kelly
Located in Palm Desert, CA
“Untitled” is a lithograph on arches paper by minimalist, abstract artist, Ellsworth Kelly from 1983. The work is edition AP 32 and signed and editioned in pencil, lower right, "AP 3...
Paper, Lithograph
Untitled (Red Desert Study)
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A painting by Joanna Pousette-Dart. “Untitled (Red Desert Study)” is an abstract acrylic on board painting in a palette of vibrant colors by Contemporary Abstract painter, Joanna Pou...
Acrylic, Wood Panel
Putaine
By Joan Miró
Located in Palm Desert, CA
‘Putaine' is a work on paper by Spanish artist, Joan Miro. Drawings were among Miro’s most private works. The Fundació Joan Miró holds 5,000 drawings the artist gave personally in 19...
Wax Crayon, India Ink
There are no sparkling gemstones on this necklace, but its value far exceeds the cost of its materials.
Get your dose of Vitamin D while surveying works by the likes of Alexander Calder, Keith Haring and Pablo Picasso.
