Alexander CalderSkybird, from Flying Colors1974
1974
About the Item
- Creator:Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976, American)
- Creation Year:1974
- Dimensions:Height: 27 in (68.58 cm)Width: 33 in (83.82 cm)
- Medium:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Washington, DC
- 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: Washington, DC
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Waves (Derriere le Miroir #156)By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Title: Waves (Derriere le Miroir 156) Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #156 Medium: Original lithograph Date: 1966 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 17 1/4" x 21 ...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Derriere le Miroir #141By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Title: Derriere le Miroir #141 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #141 Medium: Original lithograph Date: 1963 Edition: Unnumbered Frame S...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Derriere le Miroir #221By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Title: Alexander Calder Derriere le Miroir #221 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #221 Medium: Original lithograph Date: 1976 E...Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- VigneBy (after) Henri MatisseLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Henri Matisse (after) Title: Vigne Portfolio: The Last Works of Henri Matisse Medium: Lithograph Date: 1958 Edition: 2000 Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 14 3/4" Sheet Size: 14" x 10 1...Category
1950s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Derriere le Miroir #221By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: 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...Category
1970s Post-Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Plate 18, from 1965 Peintures sur CartonsBy Joan MiróLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Joan Miro Title: Plate 18 Portfolio: Peintures sur Cartons Date: 1965 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image Size: 15" x 11" Signature:...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Blue Face from the Brushstroke Figures SeriesBy Roy LichtensteinLocated in Miami, FLLithograph, waxtype woodcut and screenprint on 638-g/m cold-pressed Saunders Waterford Paper. From the "Brushstroke Figures" series, 1989. Hand signed rf Lichtenstein, dated ('89) a...Category
1980s Contemporary Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph, Screen, Woodcut
- Derriere le Miroir Cover - Vintage Lithograph by Alexander Calder - 1968By Alexander CalderLocated in Roma, ITDerriere le Miroir Cover is an original artwork realized by Alexander Calder in 1968. Original mixed colored lithograph. The artwork was th...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Woman with Corset and Long HairBy Willem de KooningLocated in New York, NYPrinter: Hollanders Workshop, New York Publisher: Knoedler, New York Edition size: 61, plus proofs Catalogue Raisonné: Graham 17 Signed, dated, and numbered inpencil, lower marginCategory
1970s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Orange over GreenBy Ellsworth KellyLocated in New York, NYFrame size: 43 1/2 x 31 3/4 inches Printer: Imprimerie Maeght, Levallois-Perret, France Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris Edition size: 75, plus proofs Signed and annotated in pencil,...Category
1960s Contemporary Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Blue over GreenBy Ellsworth KellyLocated in New York, NYFrame size: 43 1/4 x 32 inches Printer: Imprimerie Maeght, Levallois-Perret, France Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris Edition size: 75, plus proofs Catalogue Raisonné: Axsom 26 Signe...Category
1960s Contemporary Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Sand Howard Hodgkin abstract sepia black and white earth tone painting printBy Howard HodgkinLocated in New York, NYAbstract, large scale earth toned red, black, taupe and grey scene with dynamic lines, shapes and hand painted brushstroke texture. This dramatic Howard Hodgkin work is ideal for dis...Category
1980s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsWatercolor, Lithograph
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.