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What type of sculpture did Alexander Calder invent?
1 Answer
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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.
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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
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The original limited edition 1965 Los Angeles County Museum of Art LACMA poster
By Alexander Calder
Located in New York, NY
Alexander Calder
The original Los Angeles County Museum of Art poster, 1965
Limited Edition vintage Offset Lithograph
32 × 24 3/4 inches 81.3 × 62.9 cm
Edition of 300
This is the OR...
Category
1960s Modern Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph, Offset
Mid-Century Derrière le Miroir Lithograph by Alexander Calder
By Alexander Calder
Located in Soquel, CA
Mid-Century Derrière le Miroir Lithograph by Alexander Calder
Vintage 1960's Alexander Calder double-page Lithograph, unsigned, part of portfolio "Derriere le Miroir". Published by:...
Category
1960s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Paper, Ink
$840 Sale Price
20% Off
Derriere Le Miroir No. 201, Untitled
By Alexander Calder
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Alexander Calder
Title: Derriere Le Miroir No. 201, Untitled
Single Lithograph from the Derriere le Miroir No. 201 publication.
Unsigned and unnumbered from an edition of p...
Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$210 Sale Price
40% Off
Derriere Le Miroir No. 201, Cover
By Alexander Calder
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Alexander Calder
Title: Derriere Le Miroir No. 201, Cover
One page Lithograph from the Derriere le Miroir No. 201 publication.
Unsigned and unnumbered from an edition of pre...
Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$270 Sale Price
40% Off
Derriere Le Miroir No. 173, Cover
By Alexander Calder
Located in Austin, TX
Artist: Alexander Calder
Title: Derriere Le Miroir No. 173, Cover
Lithograph from the Derriere le Miroir No. 173 publication.
Unsigned and unnumbered from an edition of presumably la...
Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$248 Sale Price
44% Off
Alexander Calder Lithographic cover Derrière le miroir 1973
By Alexander Calder
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Alexander Calder Lithographic cover: Derrière le miroir 1973:
Lithographic cover sheet; 15 x 11 inches.
Very good overall vintage condition.
Unsigned from an edition of unknown.
Por...
Category
1970s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$225 Sale Price
25% Off