- Design Credit: Samantha Todhunter Design Ltd., Photo Credit: Oliver Clarke. Dimensions: H 32 in. x W 26 in.
- Design Credit: Lucy Harris Studio, Photo Credit: Francesco Bertocci. Dimensions: H 32 in. x W 26 in.
- Design Credit: Timothy Godbold, Photo Credit: Karl Simone. Dimensions: H 32 in. x W 26 in.
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Alexander CalderAlexander Calder Skyswirl1974
1974

About
Details
- CreatorAlexander Calder (1898 - 1976, American)
- Creation Year1974
- DimensionsHeight: 32 in. (81.28 cm)Width: 26 in. (66.04 cm)
- Medium
- Period
- FramingFraming Options Available
- Condition
- Gallery LocationWashington, DC
- Reference Number1stDibs: LU54438240422
Shipping & Returns
- ShippingShips From: Washington, DC
- Return Policy
A return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
About the Artist
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.
- By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCAlexander Calder Friendship Artist: Alexander Calder Medium: Original lithograph Title: Friendship Portfolio: Fl...Category
1970s Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Medium: Original lithograph Title: Derriere le Miroir #141 (Plate 4) Portfolio: Derrier...Category
1960s Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCAlexander Calder (Derriere le Miroir #201) Artist: Alexander Calder Medium: Original lithograph Portfolio: Derri...Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Medium: Lithograph Title: Derriere le Miroir #141 (Plate 1) Portfolio: Derriere le Miro...Category
1960s Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCAlexander Calder Derriere le Miroir #156 (Plate 1) Artist: Alexander Calder Medium: Original lithograph Title: D...Category
1960s Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- By Alexander CalderLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Alexander Calder Medium: Original lithograph Title: Cover (Derriere le Miroir #141) Portfolio: Derriere ...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
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