Alexander CalderRed and Blue Spheres, from Derriere le Miroir #2011973
1973
About the Item
- Creator:Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976, American)
- Creation Year:1973
- Dimensions:Height: 21.25 in (53.98 cm)Width: 17.25 in (43.82 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.
- Derriere le Miroir #201By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Medium: Lithograph Title: Derriere le Miroir #201 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #201 Year: 1973 Edition: Unnumbered Framed ...Category
1960s Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Cover, Derriere le Miroir #201By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Medium: Lithograph Title: Cover Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #201 Year: 1973 Edition: Unnumbered Framed Size: 21 1/2" x 17 1/2" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Signe...Category
1960s Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Plate 1, from Derriere Le Miroir #156By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCAlexander Calder Derriere le Miroir #156 (Plate 1) Artist: Alexander Calder Title: (Plate 1) Derriere le Miroir #156 Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #156 Medium: Original lithograph Ye...Category
1960s Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Plate 2, from Derriere Le Miroir #156By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Title: Plate 2 (Derriere le Miroir #156) Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #156 Medium: Lithograph Year: 1966 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21" x 29 1/4" Image...Category
1960s Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Derriere le Miroir #173 (Plate 2)By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Medium: Lithograph Title: Derriere le Miroir #173 (Plate 2) Portfolio: Derriere le Miroir #173 Year: 1968 Edition: Unnumbered Framed Size: 22" x 29 1/4" Shee...Category
1960s Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Scissors JackBy Larry ZoxLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Larry Zox Medium: Serigraph Title: Scissors Jack Year: 1978 Edition: XIV/XXX Sheet Size: 29 1/2" x 39" Signed: Hand signed in pencilCategory
1970s Abstract Prints
MaterialsScreen
- BALBOA PARK Signed Lithograph, Tower San Diego California, Pop Art LandscapeBy Peter MaxLocated in Union City, NJBALBOA PARK is an original hand drawn lithograph by the renowned American Pop artist, Peter Max, printed in 1990 in an edition of 150, using traditional ha...Category
1990s Pop Art Landscape Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- bridge and river lithography artwork abstract expressionismBy Jose Antonio Herrera AlcazarLocated in Barcelona, BarcelonaJose Antonio Herrera Alcazar was born in 1960 and was largely influenced by the 1970s. The art sphere of the 1970s was epitomized by a longing to evolve and reinforce itself, as a re...Category
2010s Contemporary Landscape Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- The Wedding ( Edition 270/300 )By George StauchLocated in New York, NYGeorge Stauch (American b. 1900), " The Wedding" Edition 270/300, Abstract Color Lithograph signed in pencil, 20 x 24, Late 20th Century Colors: Blue, White, Red, Brown, Y...Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- UntitledLocated in New York, NYArtist Unidentified /Unknown, "Untitled" Edition 79 /100, 19.75 x 25.50, Late 20th Century Colors: Purple, Blue, Brown, Yellow, Turquoise, Pink Note* Unidentified Artist s...Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Landscape Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Untitled (Edition 80/120)Located in New York, NYUnknown/Unidentified Artist, "Untitled" Edition 80/120, Abstract Lithograph signed and numbered in pencil, 22 x 30, Late 20th Century Colors: Red, Green, Yellow, Black, White, Brown...Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- UntitledLocated in New York, NYArtist Unidentified /Unknown, "Untitled" Edition 19/100, 19.75 x 25.50, Late 20th Century Colors: Grey, Blue, Red, Turquoise Note* Unidentified Artist signature on bottom ...Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Landscape Prints
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.