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.
"Splotchy" Textile by Alexander Calder for Laverne Originals
By Laverne International, Alexander Calder
Located in Pawtucket, RI
"Splotchy" textile by Alexander Calder for Laverne Originals. Hand printed on linen. 26 ft. available The innovative husband-and-wife team Erwin and Estelle Laverne, specialized...
Fabric
Alexander Calder, Original Lithograph 15/90, Les Queles Deqoulinantes 1966
By Alexander Calder
Located in Stockholm, SE
A lithograph by Alexander Calder namned Les Queles Deqoulinantes. This is number 15 in an edition of 90. It is 76 x 59 cm (framed), 61 x 44 cm (picture). It is reframed but have the ...
Paper
$4,800
H 36 in W 60 in D 2 in
Large Mid Century abstract Oil on Burlap Alexander Calder School, Circa 1950s
By Alexander Calder
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Large Mid-Century Abstract Oil on Burlap Al. Ballatto (active mid-20th century) Circa 1950s–early 1960s Oil on artist-prepared burlap, original wood frame Signed lower right: “Al. Ba...
Burlap, Wood
Selection of Alexander Calder Lithographs
By Alexander Calder
Located in Atlanta, GA
Selection of Alexander Calder color lithographs, circa 1960s. They have been recently framed in clean lined black lacquered wood gallery frames...
Glass, Wood, Paper
$68,589
H 21.46 in W 29.53 in D 3.94 in
Original circa 1880-90 Robert Gemmell Hutchison Oil on Canvas Painting a New Toy
By Robert Hutchinson
Located in West Sussex, Pulborough
We are delighted to offer for sale this stunning original circa 1880-1890 Robert Gemmell Hutchinson R.S.A oil on canvas titled “A New Toy” I fell in love with this Gemmell the secon...
Canvas
$1,200Sale Price|24% Off
H 36 in W 24 in D 0.75 in
SALE! Mid Century Modern Scandinavian Calder Miro Hand Tufted Abstract Tapestry
By Joan Miró, Alexander Calder
Located in St.Petersburg, FL
CENTRAL AVENUE MODERN ALL TAPESTRY SALE! Eye catching, Spectacular, Handmade, Scandinavian Tufted, Mid Century Modern, Wool & Cotton Calder / Miro st...
Cotton
$200Sale Price|20% Off
H 14.5 in W 11.5 in D 0.01 in
Vintage Alexander Calder lithograph (1970s Calder prints)
By (after) Alexander Calder
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage early 1970s Alexander Calder off-set lithograph: Published by Art in America, circa early 1970s. Good to very good overall vintage condition. Printed signature from an editi...
Paper
Two Framed Pre-Columbian Textile Fragments Inca Culture Peru
Located in Atlanta, GA
Two pre-Columbian textile fragments presented in wood frames. Handwoven in colored yarn, possibly camelid fibers, these pieces were from Inca period circa 15-16th century. One panel is a classic Inca weave that was likely part of a mantle or cape. It has a multi-panel design with eight-point stars alternating with stylized animal and homomorphic figures, steps-design and abstract scrolling patterns. The second one features a multiple stripe design also with eight-point star and a mysterious figure sandwiched between stripes of geometrical patterns and plain borders. Presenting in a thin gilt wood and a carved dark wood frame...
Textile, Wood
Alexander Calder 1970’s coloured lithograph Asymetrie
By Alexander Calder
Located in London, GB
Original 1970's Alexander Calder Asymetrie coloured lithograph. Foxing to the paper., which should be visible in the photos. Reframed.
Paper
Textile Wall Hanging Handwoven Framed Wall Art Blue
By Begüm Cana Özgür
Located in Istanbul, TR
SIN, is a handwoven textile wall piece, named after the ancient Mesopotamian Goddess of the Moon. It is handwoven in Turkey, by the women weavers of Anatolia. The 50% of the income ...
Metal
$3,000 / set
H 12 in W 18 in D 2 in
Two Framed Pre-Columbian Textile Fragment Chimu Chancay Culture Peru
Located in Atlanta, GA
Two framed pre-Columbian textile fragments from Chimu or Chancay culture (1000AD-1470AD) in nowadays Peru. Both panels are of a similar red background and poss...
Textile, Wood
$3,000
H 23.2 in W 17.25 in D 1 in
Framed Finely Woven Pre-Columbian Pictorial Textile Chimu Musuem Quality
Located in Atlanta, GA
A well preserved and rare pictorial antique pre-Columbia textile panel from Chimu culture. Located in Northern Coast of nowadays Peru, Chimu culture thrived in the late Intermediate/...
Textile, Linen, Wood
$3,000
H 30.25 in W 17.25 in D 1 in
Framed Large Pre-Columbian Woven Textile Fragment from Chimu Chancay Culture
Located in Atlanta, GA
A large fragment of antique pre-Columbia textile panel from Chimu or Chancay culture located in Central and Northern Coast of nowadays Peru. Chancay culture thrived in the late Inter...
Textile, Linen
Vintage French Tapestry by Georgette Owens. Size: 3 ft x 4 ft 10 in
By Georgette Owens
Located in New York, NY
Vintage French Tapestry by Georgette Owens, France, Mid-Twentieth Century. Size: 3 ft x 4 ft 10 in (0.91 m x 1.47 m)
Wool
Alexander Calder Signed & Stamped Vintage Lithograph "Sky Swirl" 1974
By Alexander Calder
Located in North Miami, FL
This original vintage SIGNED and STAMPED Alexander Calder lithograph in original frame from 1974. This shows the blind stamp on lower right for authenticity and limited edition. Ar...
Paper
Alexander Calder "Composition i" Framed Abstract Lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful vintage framed abstract lithograph Entitled "Composition I" By Alexander Calder USA, 1960s Includes Certificate of ...
Paper
Sold
H 22 in W 27 in D 1 in
Alexander Calder "Friendship" Lithograph, Braniff Flying Colors Collection, 1973
By Alexander Calder
Located in South Bend, IN
A beautiful vintage framed abstract lithograph from the Flying Colors Collection commissioned by Braniff International Airlines By Alexander Calder USA, 1973 Measures: 27"W ...
Paper
Alexander Calder 'Flying Colors’ Lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976) Convection from 'Flying Colors’, Lithograph printed in colors, 1974, on wove paper with full margins printed to the edge, framed.
Paper
Alexander Calder 'Flying Colors’ Lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Petworth, West Sussex
Alexander Calder (American, 1898-1976), 'Beastie' from 'Flying Colors’, lithograph printed in colors, 1974, each on wove paper with full margins printed to the edge, framed.
Paper
Alexander Calder Tapestry
By Alexander Calder
Located in Pawtucket, RI
Alexander Calder jute fiber tapestry titled “Turquoise”. Produced by CAC Publication and Bon Art, Nicaragua in 1975. This example is #22/100. Embroidered m...
Jute
After Alexander Calder Fiber Wall Hanging, 'Sun'
By Alexander Calder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
After Alexander Calder 'Sun' Bon Art Maguey Fiber Wall Hanging, Guatemala 1974.
After Alexander Calder Wall Hanging, 'Floating Circles'
By Alexander Calder
Located in Los Angeles, CA
After Alexander Calder 'Floating Circles' jute fiber wall hanging. Nicaragua, 1974 with fabric tag.
"Balloons" Color Lithograph by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Wiscasset, ME
"Balloons" color lithograph by Alexander Calder. Pencil signed and numbered.
Alexander Calder Tapestry
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
"IXE" Designed by Alexander Calder (1898-1976) Woven at Atelier Pinton Freres - Aubusson