Alexander CalderUntitled (Plate 1) DLM1963
1963
About the Item
- Creator:Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976, American)
- Creation Year:1963
- Dimensions:Height: 14.875 in (37.79 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Fairlawn, OH
- 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: Fairlawn, OH
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 10 days of delivery.
- Untitled Double Page Illustration for DLMBy Alexander CalderLocated in Fairlawn, OHUntitled Double Page Illustration for DLM Color lithograph, 1968 Unsigned as issued in DLM Published in Derriere le Miroir (Behind the Mirror), calle...Category
1960s American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- UntitledBy Alexander CalderLocated in Fairlawn, OHUntitled Color lithograph, 1966 Unsigned as issued From:Derriere le Miroir, Volume 156 Large unsigned edition Printed by Mourlot, Paris Published by Aime Maeght, Paris Condition: Usu...Category
1960s American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Untitled (Plate 2) DLMBy Alexander CalderLocated in Fairlawn, OHUntitled (Plate 2) DLM Color lithograph, 1963 Unsigned and unnumbered (as issued) From: Derriere le Miroir, No. 141 Published by A. Maeght, Paris Printer: Mourlot Freres, Paris Note...Category
1960s American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- UntitledBy Charles William SmithLocated in Fairlawn, OHUntitled Color woodcut, 1939 Unsigned as issued Signed and dedicated by the artist on the justification page (see photo) From: Abstractions By Charles Smith Forward by Carl O. Schnie...Category
1930s American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsWoodcut
- Glowing TreeBy Gabor F. PeterdiLocated in Fairlawn, OHGlowing Tree Etching, engraving & lift ground, 1958 Signed, titled and annotated in pencil (see photos) Edition: Artist Proof (there was a published addition of 30 with five stencil ...Category
1950s American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsIntaglio
- Cleveland Center for Contemporary Art 1968/ 1983By James RosenquistLocated in Fairlawn, OHCleveland Center for Contemporary Art 1968/ 1983 Off-set lithographic poster, 1983 Signed in ink by the artist in the bottom margin (see photo) Poster celebrating the 15 year anniver...Category
1980s American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsOffset
- Douglas Semivan Abstract Modern "Receiver I" Signed and NumberedBy Douglas SemivanLocated in Detroit, MISALE ONE WEEK ONLY "Receiver I" is an abstract print of three diagonally placed lines. It is reminiscent of an early work by Georgia O'Keeffe, "Blue Lines X" in that both artists, Semivan and O'Keeffe, have achieved a beauty in the placement, width of, length and juxtapositions of simple lines to achieve a never ending balance and harmony for the viewer. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Douglas Semivan...Category
Late 20th Century American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsPaper, Lithograph
- Leo Baeck "and a Spirit is Characterized"By Corita KentLocated in Missouri, MOLeo Baeck and a Spirit is Characterized Sister Mary Corita Kent (American, 1918-1986) Signed Lower Right in Pencil Edition of 250 Lower center 21.5 x 21.5 inches 24 x 24 inches frame...Category
20th Century American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsColor, Lithograph
- Thoreau "If a Man Does Not Keep Peace"By Corita KentLocated in Missouri, MOThoreau "If a Man Does Not Keep Peace" Sister Mary Corita Kent (American, 1918-1986) Signed in Pencil Lower Right 22.5 x 22.5 inches 23.25 x 23.25 inches with frame Sister Mary Cori...Category
20th Century American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsColor, Lithograph
- Chicago Scene Modernist Architectural Lithograph, Nevada ArtistLocated in Surfside, FLJim McCormick was born in Chicago in 1936. He attended the University of Tulsa where he received a bachelor’s degree in art in 1958, then a M.A. in paint...Category
1980s American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- 'Kaf With' — Mid-century American SurrealismBy Robert Vale FaroLocated in Myrtle Beach, SCRobert Vale Faro, 'Kaf With', color lithograph, 1945, edition 15. Signed, dated, titled and numbered '84' and '6/15' in pen, recto. Titled, numbered '#84' and '6/15' and dated '7/22/...Category
1940s American Modern Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- 'Sylvan Maze' — Mid-century American SurrealismBy Robert Vale FaroLocated in Myrtle Beach, SCRobert Vale Faro, 'Sylvan Maze', color lithograph, 1946, edition 20. Signed, dated, titled and numbered '112' and '11/20' in pencil. A fine, richly-inked impression with fresh colors, on heavy, off-white wove paper; full margins (1 to 1 1/2 inch), in excellent condition. Image size 13 11/16 x 9 11/16 inches; sheet size 16 1/8 x 12 5/16 inches. Scarce. Matted to museum standards, unframed. ABOUT THE ARTIST Robert Vale Faro (1902-1988) was a modernist architect and artist associated with the Chicago Bauhaus. He received his degree in architecture and design from the Armour Institute in Chicago and worked at L'Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Paris, from 1924-27, where he was influenced by Harry Kurt Bieg and Le Corbusier. Upon his return to Chicago, Faro worked with the important modernist Chicago architects George and William Keck under Louis Sullivan. Faro founded the avant-garde printmaking group Vanguard in 1945. The group counted Atelier 17 artists Stanley William Hayter, Sue Fuller...Category
1940s American Modern Abstract 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.