Alexander CalderSkybird1974
1974
About the Item
- Creator:Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976, American)
- Creation Year:1974
- Dimensions:Height: 20 in (50.8 cm)Width: 26 in (66.04 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:San Francisco, CA
- 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: San Francisco, CA
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 3 days of delivery.
- Sky SwirlBy Alexander CalderLocated in San Francisco, CASigned with the artist’s monogram and dated on the stone lower right CA 74. A superb impression of the definitive state, from the edition commissioned by Braniff International Air...Category
20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Untitled (SF-343)By Sam FrancisLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal lithograph printed in six colors (light yellow, golden yellow, yellow-green, light ultramarine blue, purple, red on PTI #120 Waterleaf wove paper. Hand-signed in pencil l...Category
1990s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Concert Hall Set IIIBy Sam FrancisLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal lithograph printed in 6 colors (yellow, yellow-green, light blue, magenta, turquoise, dark blue) from 6 aluminum plates on BFK Rive wove paper Hand-signed in pencil lower r...Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Untitled (SF-344)By Sam FrancisLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal lithograph printed in five colors (yellow, red, green, ultramarine blue, thalo blue) on PTI #120 Waterleaf wove paper. Hand-signed in pencil lower left Sam Francis. A su...Category
1990s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Trietto IIIBy Sam FrancisLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal aquatint printed in 11 colors on Fabriano wove paper. Hand-signed in pencil in the margin lower right Sam Francis. A superb impression of the definitive state, from t...Category
20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsAquatint
- The TowerBy Robert MotherwellLocated in San Francisco, CAOriginal etching printed in two colors on Johannot wove paper. Hand-signed with the artist’s monogram in pencil in the margin lower right RM. A superb impression of the defini...Category
20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints
- Frozen silenceBy Alexandru TrifuLocated in Geneva, CHWork on paper White wooden frame with glass pane 87 x 66,5 x 3 cmCategory
21st Century and Contemporary Abstract Geometric Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Alexander Calder - Original Lithograph - from "Derrière le miroir"By Alexander CalderLocated in Collonge Bellerive, Geneve, CHAlexander Calder - Original Lithograph - from "Derriere le Miroir"Behind the Mirror 1976 Condition: Good Condition Dimensions: 38 x 56 cm Source: Derrière le miroir (DLM), n°141, 1...Category
1970s Abstract Geometric Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- "Jupiter Four 9/10" Black & White Abstract by Lucy SiekmanLocated in Pasadena, CAAn abstract, black and white lithograph contained in an interesting shape enclosed by clean negative space. Signed L. Siekman, titled Jupiter Four and numbered 9/10. It is part of a ...Category
1980s Abstract Geometric Prints and Multiples
MaterialsPlexiglass, Wood, Paper, Lithograph
- Composition - Lithograph - Late 20th CenturyLocated in Roma, ITComposition is an original lithograph artwork on cardboard, realized by in the Late 20th Century. Hand-signed on the lower right. Numbered on the lower left, Edition 26/100. The s...Category
Late 20th Century Abstract Geometric Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with YellowBy Gottfried HoneggerLocated in Kansas City, MOGottfried Honegger (1917-2016, Swiss) Title: Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with Orange Medium: 3D-construction Year: 2015 Signed by hand and inscribed Size: 20.9 × 21.1 on ...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Prints and Multiples
MaterialsMixed Media, Lithograph
- Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with BlueBy Gottfried HoneggerLocated in Kansas City, MOGottfried Honegger (1917-2016, Swiss) Title: Concrete Geometric Abstract Composition with Blue Medium: 3D-construction Year: 2015 Signed by hand and inscribed Size: 20.9 × 21.1 on 24...Category
2010s Abstract Geometric Prints and Multiples
MaterialsMixed Media, Lithograph
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.