Alexander CalderMickey Mouse1974
1974
About the Item
- Creator:Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976, American)
- Creation Year:1974
- Dimensions:Height: 30 in (76.2 cm)Width: 43.375 in (110.18 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Palm Desert, CA
- Reference Number:
Alexander Calder
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.
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Ships From: Jackson, WY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- UntitledLocated in Palm Desert, CAA painting by Jae Kon Park. "Untitled" is an abstract painting, oil on canvas in green and gold by Korean, Post-War artist Jae Kon Park. The artwork is signed in the lower middle, "1...Category
Late 20th Century Post-War Abstract Paintings
MaterialsAcrylic
- Mexican Silver GrizzlyBy Yang MaoyuanLocated in Palm Desert, CAThis is a black and white painting on paper by Yang Maoyuan of a grizzly bear. Mexican Silver Grizzley was painted in 2007 by contemporary artist Yang M...Category
Early 2000s Contemporary Animal Paintings
MaterialsPaint, Paper
- For ForgettingLocated in Palm Desert, CAA painting by Eric Holswade. " For Forgetting" is a contemporary painting, acrylic on canvas by American artist Eric Holswade. The artwork is signed in the lower right, "Eric J Holsw...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Paintings
MaterialsAcrylic
- Truth or ConsequencesLocated in Palm Desert, CAA painting by Eric Holswade. "Truth or Consequences" is a contemporary painting, oil on canvas by artist Eric Holswade. The artwork is signed in the lower left, "Eric Jon Holswade".Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Paintings
MaterialsOil
- Sin tituloBy Carlos LunaLocated in Palm Desert, CAA mixed media on paper, this painting by Latin American artist Carlos Luna, depicts an abstracted and stylized horse running again a blue filagreed background with a man and woman lo...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Paintings
MaterialsMixed Media, Paper
- Sin tituloBy Carlos LunaLocated in Palm Desert, CAmixed media on paper Signed lower right. Carlos Luna’s oeuvre is an amalgam of native Cuban influence from twentieth century artists such as Wifredo Lam, Mario Carreño, and Cund...Category
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Animal Paintings
MaterialsMixed Media, Paper
- Large Celestial Painting Mixed Media on Canvas, Blues, Greens, White, YellowBy Alex K. MasonLocated in Versailles, KYLarge Abstract Celestial Painting by Alex K. Mason. "Forgotten Star Lore II". Acrylic, Gouache, Ink on Canvas, 48"H x 48"W x 3"D. Blues, Greens,...Category
2010s Contemporary Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
- Large Celestial Mythical Horse Painting Acrylic Gouache Ink on Canvas BlueBy Alex K. MasonLocated in Versailles, KYLarge Celestial Mythical Horse Painting by Alex K. Mason "Wardusa", Acrylic Gouache Ink on Canvas, Blue, White, Gold, Yellow This painting is part of a constellation series I did f...Category
2010s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsCanvas, Ink, Acrylic, Gouache
- Maiden and Spirit Wolf (Comanche Native American surrealist painting)Located in Wilton Manors, FLLarry Hood (Native American, 1950-1995). Maiden and Spirit Wolf, ca. 1975-80. Gouache on Arches rag paper, Sheet measures 23 x 30 inches. Image measures 22 ...Category
1970s Surrealist Abstract Paintings
MaterialsGouache, Rag Paper
- 'At the Races' Abstract colourful painting of horses & jockeys racing in ParisBy Gen PaulLocated in Shrewsbury, Shropshire'At the Races' by Gen Paul, a colourful figurative painting of jockeys horse racing. Reds, Blue's and Greens are the main colours of the compositi...Category
20th Century Abstract Abstract Paintings
MaterialsPaper, Watercolor, Gouache
- Accordion SkyLocated in Denver, COSuzanne Kiggins is a self-taught artist who works primarily with acrylic and gouache on paper, wood panel, and canvas. She takes inspiration from everyday experiences and imagery, as...Category
2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings
MaterialsAcrylic, Gouache, Wood Panel
- Up Above the SilosLocated in Denver, COSuzanne Kiggins is a self-taught artist who works primarily with acrylic and gouache on paper, wood panel, and canvas. She takes inspiration from everyday experiences and imagery, as...Category
2010s Contemporary Animal Paintings
MaterialsAcrylic, Gouache, Wood Panel
Recently Viewed
View AllRead More
Renowned for His Mobiles, Alexander Calder Was Also Adept at Crafting Modernist Jewelry
There are no sparkling gemstones on this necklace, but its value far exceeds the cost of its materials.
10 Must-Visit American Public Sculptures
Get your dose of Vitamin D while surveying works by the likes of Alexander Calder, Keith Haring and Pablo Picasso.