Alexander CalderBirds Nest1970
1970
About the Item
- Creator:Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976, American)
- Creation Year:1970
- Dimensions:Height: 29.5 in (74.93 cm)Width: 43.33 in (110.06 cm)Depth: 0.1 in (2.54 mm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:New York, NY
- Reference Number:1stDibs: LU2194213166792
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: New York, NY
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 14 days of delivery.
- Gente RiendoBy Karel AppelLocated in New York, NYGente Riendo, 1977 Hand-Signed Color lithograph on Arches paper image size 24 1/2 x 19 1/4 in. Edition of 80Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Vegitable IIBy Sam FrancisLocated in New York, NYSam Francis Vegetable ll , 1971 Hand-signed Lithograph in colors 35 x 24 in 14/15Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- The SeersBy Joan MiróLocated in New York, NYJoan Miro (Spanish, 1893-1983) The Seers, 1970 Hand-signed Lithograph on Rives paper 26 x 20 inches Edition of 75Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Quatre LithographiesBy Willem de KooningLocated in New York, NYWillem De Kooning Quatre Lithographies, 1986 Signed De Kooning 86' Lithograph in colors on arches 72 x 63 cm 92/100Category
1980s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Miro Lithograph I Hand-Signed Limited Edition LithographBy Joan MiróLocated in New York, NYJoan Miro (Spanish, 1893-1983) Hand-signed Lithograph in colors on Arches wove Sheet: 13.5 x 10.25 96/150Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Homage to the Square PII-F17By Josef AlbersLocated in New York, NYThis work is from the series Formulation Articulation consisting of 127 original silkscreens, selected from forty years of Albers' study of the conceptual relationship between color ...Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsScreen
- Lithographie Originale (Cover)By Joan MiróLocated in Kansas City, MOJoan Miró Lithographie Originale (Cover) Color Lithograph Year: 1981 Size: 15.6 × 12.75 inches Catalogue Raisonné: Cramer 177, Der Lithograph IV, 1969-1972, Ref.: 1255, p.178 Publisher: Maeght Editeur, Paris, France With coverfold, recto - as issued Recto, right: Typographically annotated: 'Lithographie Originale' Unsigned, Unknown Edition Size COA provided --------------------------------------- Joan Miró i Ferrà was a Spanish painter, sculptor, and ceramicist born in Barcelona. A museum dedicated to his work, the Fundació Joan Miró, was established in his native city of Barcelona in 1975, and another, the Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró, was established in his adoptive city of Palma de Mallorca in 1981 Surrealism, Fauvism, Cubism, Abstract expressionism, Naive art, Expressionism, Suprematism Pablo Picasso, André Breton, Hans Arp, André Masson, Hieronymus Bosch, Tristan Tzara, Modest UrgellCategory
1980s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Geometric Composition with Red DiamondBy Ilya BolotowskyLocated in Missouri, MOSigned and Numbered Ed. 125 The following is excerpted from The New York Times, August 6, 2001 by Daniel Watkin: "Shedding 7 Coats, a Beauty Emerges on a Hospital Wall" By DANIEL J...Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- CIEL GRIS IIBy (after) Georges BraqueLocated in Aventura, FLHand signed & numbered by the artist. Lithograph in colors on Rives paper. HC edition. Sheet size 19 x 13 inches. Image size 8.75 x 3.5 inches. Custom framed as pictured. Maeght...Category
1950s Abstract Figurative Prints
MaterialsPaper, Lithograph
- Lithographie Originale IIBy Joan MiróLocated in Kansas City, MOJoan Miró Lithographie Originale II Color Lithograph Year: 1977 Size: 12.5 × 9.6 inches Catalogue Raisonné: Teixidor, Miro Lithographe III, 1964-1969, p.28 Publisher: Maeght Editeur,...Category
1970s Abstract Expressionist Prints and Multiples
MaterialsLithograph
- Gestural Abstraction (monochromatic, black and white)By Rolf SteinhausenLocated in Kansas City, MORolf Steinhausen Gestural Abstraction (monochromatic, black and white) Lithograph Signed and numbered by hand Edition: 100 Size: 11.9 × 10.9 on 23.0 × 16.4 inches COA providedCategory
1970s Abstract Prints and Multiples
MaterialsLithograph
- Design for Sculpture "Metal Plates and Wire"By Rudolf BellingLocated in Kansas City, MORudolf Belling Title: Design for Sculpture "Metal Plates and Wire" Year: 1994 Medium: Lithograph Signed, dated, numbered or inscribed Size: 15.0 × 14.0 on 19.7 × 25.7 inches COA prov...Category
1990s Abstract Prints and Multiples
MaterialsLithograph
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.