1968
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.
Original exhibition poster for Alexander Calder sculptor
By Alexander Calder
Located in PARIS, FR
This original exhibition poster was created for a showcase of works by Alexander Calder, one of the most influential sculptors of the 20th century. Known for his kinetic sculptures, ...
Paper, Lithograph
Original poster for the 1959 exhibition of Alexander Calder in Paris Maeght
By Alexander Calder
Located in PARIS, FR
Original poster for the 1959 exhibition at the Maeght Gallery (Paris) Alexander Calder 🇺🇸 (1898-1976) revolutionized #sculpture, the art of volume, by bringing movement and color! Close to the #populararts, this genius tinkerer started by making a miniature animated circus. Calder is best known for his #mobiles and #stabiles, sometimes monumental, which are one of the most daring expressions of sculpture in the 20th century...
Paper, Lithograph
Original exhibition poster by Calder at the Théâtre Français de la Danse in 1969
By Alexander Calder
Located in PARIS, FR
The original exhibition poster by Calder at the Théâtre Français de la Danse in 1969 stands as a vibrant testament to the innovative spirit of both the artist and the venue. Created by the renowned American sculptor Alexander Calder, this poster not only advertises the event but also embodies Calder's distinctive artistic style and ethos. Calder, known for his pioneering work in kinetic sculpture and mobiles, brings his signature aesthetic to this poster. With bold, primary colors and playful geometric shapes, the design reflects Calder's fascination with movement and balance. The composition exudes a sense of dynamic energy, inviting viewers to engage with the artwork on multiple levels. At the heart of the poster is likely a depiction of one of Calder's iconic mobiles or stabiles, rendered with a sense of whimsy and sophistication. The surrounding typography, rendered in a simple yet impactful font, communicates essential details about the exhibition, including the artist's name and the venue. The choice of the Théâtre Français de la Danse as the location for the exhibition adds another layer of significance to the poster. Founded by the French dancer and choreographer Maurice Béjart...
Linen, Paper, Lithograph
Original 1964 poster by Bram van Velde for the XXth Salon de Mai
By Bram Van Velde
Located in PARIS, FR
Vivid, abstract, and resolutely modern, this original 1964 poster was created by Bram Van Velde for the 20th Salon de Mai, held at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. With ...
Paper, Lithograph
1966 Original poster of Joan Miro for the XXIIth Salon de Mai - Surrealism
By Joan Miró
Located in PARIS, FR
Beautiful poster of Joan Miro of 1966 for the XXIIth Salon de Mai. Widely considered one of the leading Surrealists (though he was never officially part of the group), Joan Miró was...
Paper, Lithograph
Original Exhibition Poster by Man Ray, Salon de Mai 1971
By Man Ray
Located in PARIS, FR
This original 1971 "Salon de Mai" poster by Man Ray represents a remarkable meeting between one of the twentieth century's greatest avant-garde artists and one of France's most impor...
Paper, Lithograph
1974 Alexander Calder "Paintings / Sculpture / Graphics" Exhibition Poster
By (after) Alexander Calder
Located in Atlanta, GA
1974 Alexander Calder Vintage "Paintings / Sculpture / Graphics" Modern Exhibition Poster. The fine art lithograph print poster is published ...
Paper
Galerie Bellint, Modern Abstract Poster by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Alexander Calder, American (1898 - 1976) - Galerie Bellint. Year: 1979, Medium: Poster, Size: 32 in. x 20.5 in. (81.28 cm x 52.07 cm)
Lithograph
Alexander Calder Exhibition Poster - Vintage Offset Print and Lithograph - 1971
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Alexander Calder - Poster Exhibition is a rare mixed colored offset and lithograph print realized in 1971 This print was realized on the occasion of the exhibition dedicated to the ...
Lithograph, Offset
Alexander Calder - The ORIGINAL limited edition 1965 LACMA Museum poster print
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder The original Los Angeles County Museum of Art poster, 1965 Limited Edition vintage Offset Lithograph 32 × 24 3/4 inches 81.3 × 62.9 cm Edition of 300 This is the OR...
Lithograph, Offset
Alexander Calder - Transworld Art International Art Fair, Tel Aviv, 1977 poster
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph poster published by the Transworld Art Fair in Tel Aviv The work depicted in the image is Calder's "Boomerang", 1973 Plate (printed) signature Unframed ALEXANDER CA...
Lithograph, Offset
Exhibition at Brewster Gallery, Lithograph Poster by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Alexander Calder, After, American (1898 - 1976) - Exhibition at Brewster Gallery. Year: circa 1975, Medium: Lithograph Poster, Size: 35 in. x 21.5 in. (88.9 cm x 54.61 cm)
Lithograph
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.
