Alexander CalderDerriere le Miroir #2211975
1975
About the Item
- Creator:Alexander Calder (1898 - 1976, American)
- Creation Year:1975
- Dimensions:Height: 15 in (38.1 cm)Width: 11 in (27.94 cm)
- Medium:
- Movement & Style:
- Period:
- Framing:Framing Options Available
- Condition:
- Gallery Location:Washington, DC
- 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: Washington, DC
- Return PolicyA return for this item may be initiated within 7 days of delivery.
- Plate 2, from 1965 Peintures sur CartonsBy Joan MiróLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Joan Miro Title: Plate 2 Portfolio: Peintures sur Cartons Medium: Lithograph Date: 1965 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4” x 17 1/4” Sheet Size: 15” x 11” Image Size: 15...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Plate 4, from 1965 Peintures sur CartonsBy Joan MiróLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Joan Miro Title: Plate 4 Portfolio: Peintures sur Cartons Medium: Lithograph Date: 1965 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4” x 17 1/4” Sheet Size: 15” x 11” Image Size: 15...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Plate 10, from 1965 Peintures sur CartonsBy Joan MiróLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Joan Miro Title: Plate 10 Portfolio: Peintures sur Cartons Medium: Lithograph Date: 1965 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4" x 17 1/4" Sheet Size: 15" x 11" Image Size: 1...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Plate 9, from 1965 Peintures sur CartonsBy Joan MiróLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Joan Miro Title: Plate 9 Portfolio: Peintures sur Cartons Medium: Lithograph Date: 1965 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4” x 17 1/4” Sheet Size: 15” x 11” Image Size: 15...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Plate 5, from 1965 Peintures sur CartonsBy Joan MiróLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Joan Miro Title: Plate 5 Portfolio: Peintures sur Cartons Medium: Lithograph Date: 1965 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4” x 17 1/4” Sheet Size: 15” x 11” Image Size: 15...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Plate 6, from 1965 Peintures sur CartonsBy Joan MiróLocated in Washington, DCArtist: Joan Miro Title: Plate 6 Portfolio: Peintures sur Cartons Medium: Lithograph Date: 1965 Edition: Unnumbered Frame Size: 21 1/4” x 17 1/4” Sheet Size: 15” x 11” Image Size: 15...Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Cali - 20th Century, Maurice Estève, Abstract Print, Colourful, LithographBy Maurice EstèveLocated in Köln, DE"Cali" is a typical motif by Maurice Estève. The lithograph in colours was published in an edition of 100. 49,6 x 65 cm. Signed and numbered.Category
1960s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Untitled from "Vingt-deux poèmes" by Giuseppe Santomaso, Black, Blue, CassouBy Giuseppe SantomasoLocated in Köln, DEColor lithograph by Giuseppe Santomaso Untitled from "Vingt-deux-poèmes" (Portfolio with artworks by several artists and 22 poems by Jean Cassou. The work...Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- "El patito feo" by Antonio Saura, Abstract Print, Duckling, Blue, Bright ColorsBy Antonio SauraLocated in Köln, DEColor lithgraph by Antonio Saura "El patito feo", 1997 65 x 50 cm Copy 186/250 Edition of 285 Antonio Saura (Huesca, Spain 1930–1998 Cuenca) found his...Category
1990s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Untitled from "Vingt-deux poèmes" by Mark Tobey, Lithography, Cassou, Black, RedBy Mark TobeyLocated in Köln, DEColor lithograph by Mark Tobey (Centerville, Wisconsin 1890 - 1976 Basel) from "Vingt-deux poèmes" (Portfolio with artworks by several artists and 22 poems by Jean Cassou...Category
1960s Abstract Expressionist Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Untitled from "San Lazarro et ses amis" by Zao Wou-Ki, Lithography, Blue, GreenBy Zao Wou-KiLocated in Köln, DEColor lithograph by Wou-Ki Zao Untitled from "San Lazarro et ses amis" (portfolio with texts by Yvon Taillandier), 1975 56,5 x 37 cm Copy e.a. Edition of 50 Zao Wou-Ki (Peking 19...Category
1970s Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
- Archipel Sauvage IVBy Joan MiróLocated in Grand Rapids, MIJoan Miró (Spanish, 1893-1983) Signed: Miro (Lower, Right) " Archipel Sauvage IV ", 1970 (Titled on Verso) Etching Aquatint Printed in Colours Numbered: 22/35 Sheet Size: 29 5/...Category
Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints
MaterialsLithograph
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.