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.
Spirale et Turban
By Alexander Calder
Located in OPOLE, PL
Alexander Calder (1898-1976) - Spirale et Turban Lithograph from 1965. The edition of E.A. (aside from an edition 125). Dimensions of work: 96 x 66 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: A...
Lithograph
Spiral with Pumpkin Lithograph, Modern, Signed, 1972
By Alexander Calder
Located in OPOLE, PL
Alexander Calder (1898-1976) - Spiral with pumpkin Lithograph from 1972. Edition of 75 on Arches paper, numbered 31/75; total edition includes 20 hors-commerce and 7 artist’s proof...
Lithograph
$495
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
$1,000
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
Untitled - Lithograph by Alexander Calder - 1963
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an original Lithograph realized in 1963 by Alexander Calder from "Derrière Le Miroir" No signature. Very good condition including a white cardboard Passepartout. Alexa...
Lithograph
$445
Alexander Calder Print, Abstract Style, 1968, Plate 4, Derriere le Miroir #173
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 4 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image Size: 15" x 11" Signature: Un...
Lithograph
$5,000
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
Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Published to aid the National Emergency Civil Liberties Committee, Untitled, 1976 is the frontispiece from the artist’s, Our Unfinished Revolution portfolio, created by Alexander Ca...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder - Our Unfinished Revolution (Sun), 1976, Limited Edition poster
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Offset lithograph poster Printed signature and date on offset paper This poster was published in a limited edition of 250, separate from the lithographic portfolio of the same title ...
Lithograph, Offset
Alexander Calder Lithograph, Abstract, 1975, Derriere le Miroir #221
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Cover, from Derriere le Miroir # 221 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #221 Medium: Lithograph in colors Date: 1975 Edit...
Lithograph
$467
Untitled - Lithograph by Alexander Calder - Late 20th century
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is a Lithograph on paper realized in second half of the 20th Century by Alexander Calder. Very good condition including a white cardboard passpartout (32 x 50 cm). Alexand...
Lithograph
Couleurs au Choix
By Alexander Calder
Located in Hollywood, FL
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Couleurs au Choix Size: 24 x 30 Inches Medium: Lithograph Edition: of 75 Year: 1970 Notes: Hand signed and numbered by the Artist in pencil. Artw...
Lithograph
$15,000
Alexander Calder - rare Signed poster for the June 1960 M. Knoedler & Co. show
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder - rare signed poster for the June 1960 M. Knoedler & Co. exhibition (Hand Signed by Calder) Scarce early exhibition poster designed by Alexander Calder, published by...
Lithograph, Offset
$795
Alexander Calder Abstract Lithograph, 1973, Unframed, Derriere le Miroir 201
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #201 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #201 Medium: Lithograph Year: 1973 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 22" x 15" Image Size: 22" x 1...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder Lithograph, Abstract, 1975, Derriere le Miroir #221
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #221 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #221 Medium: Lithograph in colors Date: 1975 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 22" Image Siz...
Lithograph
$22,000
Fêtes
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Complete set of 7 color aquatints on Arches. The deluxe edition of 25 signed by Calder and numbered, aside from the unsigned edition of 150. Each but one of the aquatints signed and ...
Color, Aquatint
Alexander Calder Lithograph, Modern Style, 1968, Plate 6, Derriere le Miroir 173
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 6 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image...
Lithograph
$345
Alexander Calder Abstract Lithograph, Unsigned, 1968, Derriere le Miroir #173
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #173 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Medium: Lithograph Year: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image Size: 15" x 1...
Lithograph
Untitled - Lithograph by Alexander Calder - 1963
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is an original Lithograph realized in 1963 by Alexander Calder from "Derrière Le Miroir" No signature. Very good condition including a white cardboard Passepartout. Alexa...
Lithograph
La Mousson (The Monsoon)
By Alexander Calder
Located in OPOLE, PL
Alexander Calder (1898-1976) - La Mousson (The Monsoon) Lithograph from 1965. Edition of 78/90 on Rives BKF paper. Dimensions of work: 75.5 x 55.5 cm. Hand signed. Publisher: Ma...
Lithograph
$545
Alexander Calder Abstrac Lithograph, Unsigned, 1973, Derriere le Miroir #201
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #201 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #201 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1973 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size:...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder Abstract Lithograph, 1975, "Derriere le Miroir #221"
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #221 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #221 Medium: Lithograph in colors Date: 1975 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image Siz...
Lithograph
Trangle et Quadrilatere - Lithograph by Alexander Calder - 1973
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Trangle et Quadrilatere is a Lithograph realized in 1973 by Alexander Calder. From Derrière Le Miroir. Very good condition including a white cardboard passpartout (52 x 41 cm). Al...
Lithograph
$467
Untitled - Lithograph by Alexander Calder - Late 20th century
By Alexander Calder
Located in Roma, IT
Untitled is a Lithograph on paper realized in second half of 20th Century by Alexander Calder. Very good condition including a white cardboard passpartout (32 x 50 cm). Alexander C...
Lithograph
$545
Alexander Calder Abstract Lithograph, Unsigned, 1963, Derriere le Miroir #141
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 1 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #141 (Stabiles) Medium: Lithograph Year: 1963 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" ...
Lithograph
Spirale Nebula
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this large color lithograph on Arches. Signed and numbered 94/100 in pencil by Calder. Printed and published by Mourlot, Paris.
Color, Lithograph
Alexander Calder Lithograph, 1975, Derriere le Miroir #221
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #221 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #221 Medium: Lithograph in colors Date: 1975 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 22" Image Siz...
Lithograph
Waves Lithograph Print by Alexander Calder, Abstract, Unsigned, 1966
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Waves (Derriere le Miroir 156) Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #156 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1966 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Shee...
Lithograph
$795
Alexander Calder Abstract Lithograph, Unsigned, 1963, Derriere le Miroir #141
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 7 Portfolio: Derriere Le Miroir #141 (Stabiles) Medium: Lithograph Date: 1963 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 22" Image Size: 15" x 22" Si...
Lithograph
$545
Alexander Calder Modern Lithograph, Unsigned, 1975, Framed, Derriere Le Miroir
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 4 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #212 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1975 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image...
Lithograph
$595
Alexander Calder Lithograph Print, Abstract, 1975, Derriere le Miroir #221
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #221 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #221 Medium: Lithograph in colors Year: 1975 Edition: Unnumbered Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image Siz...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder - Rocks and Sun - Original Lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Rocks and Sun - Original Lithograph From the literary review "XXe Siècle" 1952 Dimensions: 32 x 24 cm Publisher: G. di San Lazzaro. Unsigned and unnumbered as issued
Lithograph
$545
Alexander Calder Modern Lithograph, 1968, Cover from Derriere le Miroir #173
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Cover, from Derriere le Miroir #173 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Medium: Lithograph Date: 1968 Edition: Un...
Lithograph
$695
Alexander Calder Lithograph, Abstract, 1975, Plate 6, Derriere le Miroir #212
By Alexander Calder
Located in Washington, DC
Artist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 6 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #212 Medium: Lithograph in colors Date: 1975 Edition: Unnumbered Framed: 22" x 29 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 22" Ima...
Lithograph
Presenza Grafica
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Large, scarce limited edition color aquatint by Alexander Calder, from a limited edition of 90. Signed by Calder and numbered in pencil. Printed and published by 2RC Edizioni d'Art...
Aquatint
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - from "Derrière le miroir"
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - from "Derriere le Miroir"Behind the Mirror 1976 Framed Dimensions: 38 x 56 cm Source: Derrière le miroir (DLM), n°141, 1976 Alexander Cald...
Lithograph
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - from "Derrière le miroir"
By Alexander Calder
Located in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CH
Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - from "Derriere le Miroir"Behind the Mirror 1976 Condition: Good Condition Dimensions: 38 x 56 cm Source: Derrière le miroir (DLM), n°141, 1...
Lithograph
Lo Oscuro Invade
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
A very good impression of this color lithograph. It is initialed by Calder, signed by Carlos Franqui and numbered in pencil, from an edition of 500. Franqui was a Cuban author and po...
Color, Lithograph
Derriere le Miroir: Stabiles
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Portfolio with complete text is one of 150 deluxe numbered copies. It consists of 7 boldly colored lithographs and color lithograph cover. The sheets are loose as issued. Signed in p...
Color, Lithograph
Price Upon Request
UNTITLED
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
This work of art is a lithograph on paper featuring abstract geometric shapes in primary colors.
Lithograph