Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What type of sculpture did Alexander Calder invent?
1 Answer
Alexander Calder invented the mobile, a moving artwork composed of delicately balanced sculptural forms suspended from the ceiling. The revered American sculptor's mobiles were an innovative feat and initially used motors for movement, which he later abandoned for air currents alone. Calder was also a pioneer of wire sculptures. (He was a celebrated modernist printmaker, too, and while jewelry was a secondary métier for him, interest in his wearable art has accelerated in recent years.)
For Calder, the fascinating moment of artistic alchemy comes sometime between his representational canvases of the late 1920s and 1931, the year of his first show of abstract sculpture. Moving to Paris helped spur his creativity, as it did for so many artists and writers. The moment Calder arrived, he began working on one of his most seminal pieces, Cirque Calder (1931), his delightful distillation of the circus into what are essentially three-dimensional line drawings made with wire.
Shop authentic Alexander Calder prints, sculptures and other art from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
For Calder, the fascinating moment of artistic alchemy comes sometime between his representational canvases of the late 1920s and 1931, the year of his first show of abstract sculpture. Moving to Paris helped spur his creativity, as it did for so many artists and writers. The moment Calder arrived, he began working on one of his most seminal pieces, Cirque Calder (1931), his delightful distillation of the circus into what are essentially three-dimensional line drawings made with wire.
Shop authentic Alexander Calder prints, sculptures and other art from some of the world’s top art dealers on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertApril 3, 2024
Related Questions
- What did Alexander Calder invent?1 Answer
- Why are Alexander Calder’s sculptures called mobiles?1 Answer
- Which characteristics describe Alexander Calder’s sculptures?1 Answer
- Where is Alexander Calder’s art?1 Answer
- What is a mobile Alexander Calder?1 Answer
Shop for Alexander Calder Art on 1stDibs
Woman with Square Umbrella
By Alexander Calder
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A sculpture in wood depicting a woman holding an umbrella. "Woman with Square Umbrella" by Post War artist Alexander Calder is signed underneath, "Calder." "Woman with a Square Umbre...
Category
1920s Post-War Figurative Sculptures
Materials
Wood
Alexander Calder lithograph derrière le miroir (1960s Calder prints)
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Lithograph c. 1967 from Derrière le miroir:
Lithograph in colors; 15 x 11 inches.
Very good overall vintage condition; well-preseved.
Unsigned from an edition of u...
Category
1960s Pop Art Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph, Offset
Untitled Double Page Illustration for DLM
By Alexander Calder
Located in Fairlawn, OH
Untitled 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
Materials
Lithograph
Boomerang
By Alexander Calder
Located in Miami, FL
Boomerang, 1974
Lithograph in colors on Arches paper
Published by Transworld Art, New York, printed by Mourlot, Paris
29.5 x 43.3 inches
Signed in the plate, edition of 750 copies
...
Category
1970s Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph
Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Lithograph Poster by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
A lithograph poster by Alexander Calder for the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), created in 1965. The dynamic composition is signed and dated in the plate.
Exhibition Poste...
Category
1960s Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Flying Colors for Braniff Airlines, Lithograph by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Long Island City, NY
Artist: Alexander Calder (after) (American, 1898-1976)
Title: Flying Colors for Braniff Airlines
Year: 1974
Medium: Lithograph, signed in the plate
Size: 20 in. x 26 in. (50.8 cm x 6...
Category
1970s Modern Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph