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Why are Alexander Calder’s sculptures called mobiles?
1 Answer

The term ‘mobile’, which was coined by Marcel Duchamp, was used to describe Alexander Calder’s work, as Calder’s sculptures often moved with the help of motors or wind. ‘Mobiles’ was a French pun which meant ‘motion’. On 1stDibs, find a variety of original artwork from Alexander Calder.
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
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Shop for Alexander Calder Art on 1stDibs
Alexander Calder, Untitled, from Calder autobiographie, 1972
By Alexander Calder
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Alexander Calder (1898–1976), titled Sans titre (Untitled), originates from the 1972 album Calder autobiographie. Published by Maeght Editeur, Paris, and...
Category
1970s Surrealist Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
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Balloons & Spirals - Lithograph, 1965
By Alexander Calder
Located in Paris, IDF
Alexander Calder
Balloons and spirals, 1965
Lithograph in colors
Unsigned as usual
On light vellum 32 x 23 cm (c. 12,5 x 9 in)
Published in 1965 by National Museum of Modern Art, Pa...
Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Alexander Calder, Untitled, from Prints from the Mourlot Press, 1964
By Alexander Calder
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Alexander Calder (1898–1976), titled Sans titre (Untitled), from the album Prints from the Mourlot Press, exhibition sponsored by the French Embassy, cir...
Category
1960s Surrealist Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$1,196 Sale Price
20% Off
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Alexander Calder, Rings on Black, from Derriere le Miroir, 1973
By Alexander Calder
Located in Southampton, NY
This exquisite lithograph by Alexander Calder (1898–1976), titled Anneaux sur noir (Rings on Black), originates from the historic 1973 folio Derriere le Miroir, No. 201. Published by...
Category
1970s Modern Abstract Prints
Materials
Lithograph
$716 Sale Price
20% Off
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original lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. This is one of the Alexander Calder lithographs from his "Stabiles" series, printed in 1963 for the art revue Derriere le Miroir (issue number 141) and p...
Category
1960s Abstract Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph
"Spirals" original lithograph
By Alexander Calder
Located in Henderson, NV
Medium: original lithograph. Printed in 1970 and published by Art In America. Size: 14 1/2 x 11 1/2 inches (365 x 293 mm). This lithograph was published as a folded sheet with a hori...
Category
1970s Abstract Prints and Multiples
Materials
Lithograph


